Wisconsin vs. Denver: Badgers, Pioneers skate to 1-1 tie

The No. 5 Denver Pioneers sent the game into overtime with a late, third period goal before eventually settling for a 1-1 tie with the Wisconsin Badgers in WCHA play on Friday night at Magness Arena.

Denver sophomore defenseman Joey LaLeggia scored a goal at 18:44 in the third period to finally break up a shut out bid by Wisconsin goalie Joel Rumpel.

The Badgers are among the teams at the bottom of the standings in the WCHA, but were able to frustrate the Pioneers and force the conference leaders to escape with a tie. Wisconsin out-shot Denver for the game 33-31 and was able to keep the Pioneers scoreless on three power play opportunities.

Wisconsin took the lead early in the third period on a goal by junior forward Michael Mersch at 7:06 in the period.

Despite the frustrating finish, sophomore goalie Juho Olkinuora was impressive in net with 14 of his 32 saves in the third period and overtime.

The win moved Wisconsin to 1-7-3 on the season and 1-5-3 in WCHA play. Denver remains atop the WCHA standings with ab overall record of 9-3-1 and 7-1-1 mark in the WCHA.

Denver hits the road for their next game when they play North Dakota on Friday, Dec. 7.