The Denver Pioneers saw its three-game winning streak (and four-game unbeaten streak) disappear on Saturday night with a 5-2 loss to the Wisconsin Badgers. The Pioneers split the weekend series as a result, winning Friday's game, 3-0.
After a scoreless first period, Jason Zucker gave the Pioneers a 1-0 lead in the second period when he scored his 17th goal of the season. He netted that one at 1:34 into the period; Mark Zengerle answered for the Badgers five minutes later with the equalizer. Brendan Woods put Wisconsin in the lead right after the midway point of the period.
Keegan Meuer scored the game-winner for the Badgers at 1:11 in the third period. Drew Shore narrowed the game back to a one-goal deficit with his 18th tally of the season just 20 seconds later; however, Michael Mersch and Justin Schultz each scored a goal during the second half of the final frame.
The Pioneers were hurt by going 0-for-3 on the power play and having to be on the penalty kill four times (though the team killed three of them successfully).
Sam Brittain fell to 4-2-0 after making 30 saves on 35 shots.
The Pioneers (18-10-4) will host North Dakota at Magness Arena next weekend.
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