Producing a half-dozen goals per game is a reasonable amount to expect from the University of Denver Pioneers. In fact, it’s what they’re averaging.
After a decisive 7-4 victory over Wisconsin on Saturday night to cap a two-game series sweep at Magness Arena, the Pioneers have produced 18 goals in three games, all wins.
The country’s No. 4-ranked team is nothing if not predictably explosive. If opponents cash in repeatedly on DU goalie Marc Cheverie, expect the score to be settled, and then some, in a hurry.
In Friday’s Western Collegiate Hockey Association opener against the Badgers, DU held a 24-5 shots advantage in the first period but somehow trailed 4-1 midway through the second. Panic had no time to settle in. The Pioneers scored five of the game’s next six goals, including four in the third period, for a 6-5 win.
In the series finale, DU went ahead 3-0 before the Badgers scored two power-play goals in a three-goal stretch to tie it. Then somebody turned on the same switch that triggered Friday’s win.
Just 1:28 after the Badgers made it 3-3, DU scored twice within 20 seconds, with Rhett Rahkshani and Luke Salazar doing the honors. Dustin Jackson and Tyler Bozak added goals early in the third period, and Denver was in command 7-3.
“We’re definitely pretty confident. We know the amount of offensive talent we have,” said Bozak, a 22-year-old sophomore who had two goals and an assist to give him a team-leading eight points. “It was a weird couple games against these guys. Tonight, we came out really hard in the first, kind of let up, and let them back in the game. It was unfortunate, but it kind of gave us a spark and we got back at it.”
DU coach George Gwoz-decky said his young team isn’t as fun to coach as it for fans to watch.
“The roller-coaster type of play, there are times when I just feel I have absolutely no control over what is going on,” Gwozdecky said. “They get a little carried away with how we’re playing. They think teams are going to lie down and let us do what we will with them.
“It’s a little bit of a lack of maturity. But they respond. That’s the great thing. Even though we get a little carried away and fall asleep, we do respond when we get punched in the nose.”
DU has scored five goals in each its first three games for the first time since 1987-99, and it’s the Pioneers’ first 3-0 start since 2003-04.
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
DU Recap
Three stars
1. Tyler Bozak.
DU’s sophomore center had three points, including two goals.
2. J.P. Testwuide.
A night after getting a game misconduct, DU’s captain from Vail had a goal and was plus-3.
3. Tyler Ruegsegger.
Two assists for the Pioneers junior from Lakewood.
What you might have missed
Five of the Badgers’ six defensemen were selected in the first two rounds of the NHL draft. Sophomores Ryan McDonagh (Montreal Canadiens) and Brendan Smith (Detroit Red Wings) and freshman Jake Gardiner (Anaheim Ducks) were first-rounders.
Up next
Ohio State, Friday at Magness Arena.
