The Denver Pioneers men's hockey team is set to begin the 2012 WCHA Playoffs on Friday as they begin a series with the Wisconsin Badgers on the Denver campus. The Pioneers need to win two of three against the Badgers to advance in the conference playoffs. A series loss against the Badgers would be a big upset for Denver and would eliminate all hopes of a conference title.

The Pioneers split the season series with the Badgers this year, taking one of two games in Wisconsin. The Badgers have struggled to an 11-15-2 record this year and hope to make up for a poor regular season with a series win against the Pioneers.

Denver takes on Wisconsin at 7:37 p.m. MT on Friday night at Magness Arena and 7:07 p.m. MT on Saturday night. If a third game is necessary it will take place at 7:07 p.m. MT in Sunday in Denver in a winner take all situation.

Head over to Western College Hockey Blog for more WCHA news and notes.