OSTON — Denver beat Michigan 3-2 in overtime in Thursday’s Frozen Four men’s semifinal to advance to Saturday night’s national ice hockey championship game at Boston’s TD Garden.
Carter Savoie’s goal at 5:07 of the first overtime allowed the Pioneers to win the game.
The Pioneers will face the winner of the other semifinal between Minnesota and Minnesota State. It’s Denver’s first appearance in the championship since 2018, when they won the title.
Denver, which is the fourth seed in the tournament, is looking to win the ninth men’s hockey championship in program history, which would tie Michigan for the most championships in divisional history. I of the NCAA.
The overtime victory was the result of a sloppy play by Michigan in its own end. The Wolverines tried to go on offense before securing the puck. Top scorer Bobby Brink’s pass from the right corner was converted by Savoie in front of the net, sending the Pioneers into a celebration and the Wolverines home.
The game between the Pioneers and the Wolverines was not the offensive shootout that many expected. On the contrary, it was an intense battle between two talented and deep teams that lasted beyond regulation time.
Denver took a 1-0 lead at 8:38 of the first period on a goal by Habs prospect Brett Stapley, his 17th of the season.
The Pioneers scored a goal before Michigan recorded a shot on goal, with the Wolverines finally putting a puck on Denver goaltender Magnus Chrona 3:56 into the first.
The first period ended with Denver having the advantage, and the Pioneers were 20-1-1 when scoring first and 15-0-1 when leading following 20 minutes of play.
The Wolverines tied the score at 1-1 at 15:57 of the second period on a goal from Jimmy Lambert.
The Pioneers regained the lead at 14:24 of the third period. But Michigan tied the score at 2-2 with 10:51 left in the third.
The Wolverines have seven players who were selected in the first round of the NHL Draft, including four of the top five picks of the 2021 draft. Defenseman Owen Power, the first overall pick, is expected to sign with the Buffalo Sabers following the tournament. the NCAA.
