Once again at Magness Arena, the University of Denver steered itself straight, improving its unbeaten streak at home to 4-0-1. Now, the Pioneers must avoid the speed bumps on the road, where they have a five-game losing skid.
Denver on Saturday defeated Alaska-Anchorage 3-1 to cap a two-game Western Collegiate Hockey Association series sweep and clinched a home-ice spot for the WCHA first-round, best-of-three series March 14-16.
“Home ice is huge. I love playing here, in front of this crowd and everything,” said DU sophomore Matt Glasser, who had a goal and an assist in a game that the Pioneers led 2-0. “Hopefully, we can keep this momentum going into next week against Michigan Tech.”
DU will play three of its final four regular-season games on the road, including the finale March 8 at WCHA first-place Colorado College (14-1 at home). The Pioneers, who are 4-6-1 in their last 11 games, play at Michigan Tech on Friday and Saturday.
“I know I was looking in the rearview mirror, seeing what it might take for us to clinch, knowing how well (Minnesota State), Wisconsin and St. Cloud has been playing,” DU coach George Gwozdecky said. “So no question, to clinch home ice, we take one of the issues off our plate.”
At stake during the final regular-season stretch for DU will be a top-three WCHA playoff seed and maintaining its solid NCAA Tournament standing. The Pioneers (21-10-1, 15-8-1) remain sixth in the PairWise Rankings, which mimics the formula used by the NCAA selection committee to seed its 16-team field.
Because home ice has been clinched, DU might rest star center Tyler Ruegsegger (abdominal and groin injury) the rest of the regular season.
Glasser’s goal 18:12 into the second period made it 3-1. The sophomore drove to the net on a 2-on-1 rush, faked the centering pass and shot between Seawolves goalie Jon Olthuis’ legs.
Glasser has scored four goals in DU’s last five games.
DU Recap
Three stars
1. Matt Glasser.
DU sophomore had a goal and an assist.
2. Peter Mannino.
Goalie has allowed just five goals in past four home games.
3. Chris Butler.
Pioneer was the best defenseman on the ice.
What you might have missed
DU will clinch third place in the WCHA if Minnesota State and St. Cloud State lose any of their remaining four games.
Up next
Friday-Saturday, at Michigan Tech
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
