The misfiring University of Denver hockey team has a simple game plan heading into this weekend’s Western Collegiate Hockey Association three-game playoff series against Minnesota-Duluth.
“We have to be very, very strong defensively,” Pioneers coach George Gwozdecky said.
No. 3-seeded DU, which remains in good position to qualify for the NCAA Tournament, has scored just five goals in its past four games. The Pioneers are producing plenty of shots — combining for 58 in last weekend’s two losses to WCHA champion Colorado College — but they’re typically hitting the wrong spots. Minnesota-Duluth also is struggling offensively, scoring just five goals in its past six games.
“We’re going to have to prepare to go all three games (and) into overtime,” Gwozdecky said of the expected low-scoring series, which carries a ticket to the WCHA Final Five in St. Paul, Minn., for the winner.
Wrong numbers.
Minnesota-Duluth (13-15-6), seeded eighth, is the best losing team in the country. The Bulldogs are tied for 14th in the PairWise Rankings, best among NCAA Tournament contenders with sub-.500 records. The top 12-14 PairWise teams will get into the NCAA Tournament.
A WCHA Final Five berth and a trip to the national tournament is at stake for the Bulldogs.
The Pioneers (22-13-1) are sixth in the PairWise and will not drop out of the top 10 by bowing out of the first round of the WCHA Tournament.
Patrosso’s return.
WCHA top-seeded Colorado College will get stronger Wednesday, when senior forward Derek Patrosso returns from a 20-game suspension for undisclosed reasons.
Patrosso played in 11 of the Tigers’ first 16 games, producing four goals and seven points. CC coach Scott Owens said Patrosso — who has been skating on his own — “probably” will play in this weekend’s best-of-three series against No. 10-seed Alaska-Anchorage.
West Regional update.
Fewer than 1,000 tickets remain for the West Regional on March 28-29 at the Colorado Springs World Arena, although more tickets could become available if participating teams don’t sell their allotment.
CC is guaranteed to play at the West Regional.
Three-game packages are $74 and $89. Call 719-576-2626 or visit .
Front Range NCAA hockey rankings
1. Colorado College (26-9-1)
Last week: Swept Denver (5-2, 3-1)
Next: Alaska-Anchorage, WCHA three-game playoff series (Friday, Saturday and, if necessary, Sunday)
Of note: Tigers the best team in America’s top conference.
2. Air Force (19-11-6)
Last week: Swept Bentley in AHA playoff series (9-2, 3-1)
Next: At RIT, Saturday in AHA semis
Of note: Falcons on seven-game unbeaten streak (6-0-1) and need to go 2-0 to make the NCAA Tournament.
3. Denver (22-13-1)
Last week: Swept by CC (5-2, 3-1)
Next: Minnesota-Duluth, WCHA three-game playoff series (Friday, Saturday and, if necessary, Sunday)
Of note: Pioneers have been outscored 10-5 in their past four games.
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
