The #2 University of Denver Pioneers lost their second straight game last night 3-2 against Merrimack. The loss came after a ten-day holiday layoff. The Pioneers looked disorganized and chaotic at times band they couldn’t buy a goal against the Warriors. Whether it was rust or something deeper and more troubling, it was a rough way to start the second half of the season for a team with national title aspirations.
Since Jim Montgomery took over as head coach of the #2 University of Denver hockey program in 2013, the Pioneers have always been a second-half team. Even with a middling roster decimated by early departures in his first year, DU roared back in the second half to win the NCHC Frozen Faceoff and earn a bid to the NCAA Tournament. In the years since, the second half has always been a friend to the Pioneers. However, after a 3-2 loss to unranked and Hockey East bottom feeder Merrimack in DU’s first game of the 2017-18 second half, the comfort of knowing the second half is coming is quickly giving way to concern. Continue reading Denver loses to unranked Merrimack, leaves questions unanswered to start second half→
The Denver Pioneers return to action this weekend when they host Merrimack and Air Force
In their final series of 2017, the Pioneers host Merrimack and Air Force with hopes of finishing the year strong at home. The Pios have somewhat stumbled their way into 2018 with some questionable ties and losses, but they still have the potential to be a contender come April for the Frozen Four. Continue reading Denver Hockey Series Preview: Merrimack & Air Force→
Last night, the #2 University of Denver Pioneers were shocked by the Dartmouth Big Green as they fell 5-4 to the #59 team in the PairWise Rankings. It was an ugly effort from the Pios after the first period as they blew another three-goal lead. In a vacuum, the loss projects to hurt the Pioneers at the end of February and into March, but the projections aside, the loss seems to be symptomatic of a larger issue for the Pioneers and head coach Jim Montgomery seems worried.
It seemed at first like the #2 University of Denver Pioneers had rebounded from a lackluster 1-0 victory over the Dartmouth Big Green on Friday night. Denver skated out to an easy 3-0 lead after the first period and it seemed like the Pioneers were going to cruise to an easy victory and sweep. Continue reading Denver blows three-goal lead as Dartmouth shocks college hockey world→
Last night, the #2 University of Denver Pioneers shut out the Dartmouth College Big Green, 1-0. It was goalie Tanner Jaillet’s second shutout of the season but for the second straight game, DU’s offense was limited to just one regulation goal. Dartmouth played great defense and goalie Devin Buffalo made some incredible saves, but DU’s high-powered offense was once again held in check.
On paper, the #2 University of Denver Pioneers have one of the country’s best offenses. With the likes of Troy Terry, Henrik Borgström, and Dylan Gambrell leading the offense, it’s hard to imagine Denver scoring just one goal in any game. But that’s what happens when a team runs into a Buffalo, specifically Dartmouth’s goaltender, Devin Buffalo. Fortunately, one goal was enough for the Pioneers to secure the 1-0 shutout. Continue reading Tanner Jaillet outduels a rumbling Buffalo as Denver shuts out Dartmouth in defensive struggle→
After going 0-for-12 on powerplay attempts over the past four games, Jaako Heikkinen’s lone conversion on the man-advantage sent the No. 2-ranked University of Denver Pioneers past the Dartmouth College Big Green 1-0 in a nonconference series. Continue reading Heikkinen’s powerplay goal lifts Denver past Dartmouth→
The Pioneers host the Dartmouth Big Green this weekend in nonconference battle
After a couple unexpected ties with Colorado College last week, the Pioneers look to get back in the win column when they welcome Dartmouth College to Magness Arena. The two teams have only met five times in history with Denver’s record being 4-0-1 all-time. Their most recent game was in 2015 when the Pioneers traveled to Hanover and tied the Big Green only to lose in the shootout. Continue reading Denver Hockey series preview: Dartmouth→
COLORADO SPRINGS – The top-ranked University of Denver Pioneers did earn the extra point for NCHC standings purposes, but for the second straight night, they skated to a tie with the Colorado College Tigers. It wasn’t the weekend result the Pioneers were looking for, especially against the once lowly Tigers, but after last night’s lackluster performance there was a lot more to like from the Pioneers at the World Arena tonight. Continue reading Pioneers can’t solve Alex Leclerc, tie Tigers for second straight night→
