The No. 12 Denver Pioneers hockey team started to struggle when they reached No. 2 in the polls several weeks ago. The team is winless in its last four games, going 0-2-2 against the Michigan Tech Huskies and the defending Frozen Four champions, the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs. The latter shutout the Pioneers, 4-0, in the series finale last Saturday.
This week the Pioneers remain at Magness Arena to host the No. 3 team in the nation, the Colorado College Tigers. The Tigers started the season at 4-0 before losing to the Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks, 7-5, last Friday. Goalie Joe Howe saw his GAA rise from a NCAA best 0.90 to 2.09. The next day Josh Thorimbert made 45 saves in a 5-2 victory, salvaging a split in the series.
For the Pioneers to win this game, Jason Zucker and Drew Shore will need to pick up the offense. Zucker and Shore have combined for seven goals this season, but few lately. Goalies Adam Murray and Juho Olkinuora also need to provide better goaltending, as the two have entered into a platoon of sorts.
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