The hostility between North Dakota and the University of Denver was collectively channeled a different direction Saturday night.
Compared to Friday’s chippy series opener that featured continuous after-the-whistle shenanigans, it was as if referees Scott Bokal and Brian Thul changed the rules.
In reality, it was just a Western Collegiate Hockey Association crackdown, with commissioner Bruce McLeod overseeing things from the press box.
The third-ranked Pioneers triumphed 3-2 in the tightly called, penalty-filled finale, storming back from a 2-0 deficit behind three power-play goals within the first nine minutes of the second period.
Sophomore Joe Colborne had a hand in each of DU’s goals, scoring twice before assisting on Kyle Ostrow’s game-winner.
In sweeping the series, DU (8-3-1, 6-1-1 WCHA) took advantage of a lopsided second period, during which the No. 2 Fighting Sioux took seven of the nine penalties.
“I thought our guys did a real good job of adjusting to how consistently tight they were calling the game,” DU coach George Gwozdecky said.
The Sioux committed 12 penalties, including two unsportsmanlike minors, and DU went 3-of-11 on the power play. The Pioneers were whistled eight times, and North Dakota capitalized twice.
“I thought we took two or three poor penalties (because) of lack of composure,” Sioux coach Dave Hakstol said. “The whole middle 20 minutes was the turning point of the hockey game.”
Colborne, who had a career-high 11 shots, forged a tie with power-play goals at 1:09 and 5:22 of the second period. The latter tally was a redirection off his midsection, on a shot by Patrick Wiercioch.
Ostrow, who set up Colborne’s first goal, gave DU the lead at 8:33. He took a pinball pass from Colborne off the skates of two Sioux defenders and cashed in from in front of the right post.
“I was expecting it more like (Friday), where there were a lot of scrums after the whistle,” Colborne said. “Obviously, the refs had a little conference and said they were a little tired of what went on. It worked out in our favor. They were the undiscliplined team and, lucky for us, we kept our cool, for the most part.”
DU was lucky, taking the game’s final two penalties and having to withstand a 6-on-3 disadvantage in the last minute. With 43.9 seconds left and during a delayed penalty on DU’s Jesse Martin, a Sioux goal was disallowed after replays proved Brad Malone kicked the puck behind goalie Marc Cheverie (24 saves).
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
DU Recap
The Post’s three stars
1. Joe Colborne.
“Big Joe” had two goals, three points and a game-high 11 shots.
2. Marc Cheverie.
Pioneers’ star goalie shut the door.
3. Kyle Ostrow.
DU junior had two points, including the game- winning goal.
What you might have missed
There were a combined 26 NHL draft picks in the lineups. The Sioux had 14, DU 12.
Up next
St. Cloud State, Friday at
Magness Arena.
Mike Chambers, The Denver Post
