After the University of Denver produced just 20 shots in a tight 2-1 victory over Minnesota-Duluth on Saturday, coach George Gwozdecky learned his team could play at both ends of the offensive spectrum.
The Pioneers began the season scoring 21 goals in their first four games, all wins, but Gwozdecky was concerned his team was playing too much of an up-tempo game, not following the basics well enough when it came to puck protection.
That brand was missing in the finale of the two-game series against the Bulldogs, who dictated the calculated, slower pace after losing 5-1 on Friday. Gwozdecky was pleased to see his team win with that tempo.
“We don’t have to score six goals, five goals, to win every night, and obviously (goalie) Marc Cheverie is a big part of that,” Gwozdecky said. “(The slow pace) is not the kind of style we want to play, but if we have to, we can and know we can be successful.”
Road trip.
DU probably won’t have to play a slower pace this weekend when it visits St. Cloud State for a two-game series beginning Friday at the National Hockey Center.
The Pioneers and Huskies each have played nine games and allowed 23 goals. St. Cloud has scored 36 goals, one more than DU.
The Huskies have scored seven goals three times, albeit against weaker foes in Mercyhurst (twice) and Robert Morris on the Olympic-sized ice sheet at St. Cloud.
DU will play on the bigger sheet for the second time this season Friday. The game will serve as the Pioneers’ first game outside Colorado this season. They lost 3-2 on Nov. 2 at Colorado College despite outshooting the Tigers 42-20.
“I think we need a road test,” Gwozdecky said. “It’s been awhile since we were on the road. It would be good to face another good challenge and see where we’re at.”
In the polls.
Colorado is one of two states with three ranked teams in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll. CC and DU are No. 3 and No. 4, respectively, and Air Force No. 13.
Massachusetts also has three ranked teams, including No. 1 Boston University. Defending NCAA champion Boston College is No. 6 and Northeastern No. 7.
Mike Chambers, The Denver Post
Front Range rankings
1. COLORADO COLLEGE (6-1-3, 4-1-1 WCHA)
Last week: Split with visiting North Dakota, 3-1 loss, 7-4 win.
This week: Visits Minnesota State (4-2-2, 2-2-2 WCHA) Friday- Saturday.
Comment: Tigers have won only two of their last six games, going 2-1-3.
2. DENVER (6-2-1, 4-1-1 WCHA)
Last week: Swept Minnesota-Duluth, 5-1 and 2-1.
This week: Visits St. Cloud State (5-4-0, 0-3-0 WCHA) Friday- Saturday.
Comment: Pioneers travel outside Colorado for the first time.
3. AIR FORCE (8-0, 6-0 Atlantic Hockey Association)
Last series: Swept Bentley, 5-1 and 8-2, Oct. 31-Nov. 1.
This week: At Holy Cross (2-4-1, 2-3-1 AHA) Friday-Saturday.
Comment: Falcons lead nation in scoring (5.12 goals per game).
Mike Chambers, The Denver Post
