ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Adam Plant’s first-ever collegiate goal proved to be the game-winner in the University of Denver’s 3-2 victory over St. Cloud State on Friday night at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center.
The victory moved DU into a tie for second place with Miami (Ohio) in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference heading into Saturday, the final day of the regular season.
The win also extended the Pioneers’ NCAA-best 20-win streak to 14 seasons. DU now is 20-11-2 overall, 12-8-3-3 in league.
“We didn’t play our best game tonight but we skated with a lot of passion, got some very good goaltending and that was enough for us to get the win,” Denver coach Jim Montgomery told the media after the game. “If we play with the same level of intensity tomorrow night and play a little bit smarter, I like our chances to obtain a similar result.”
Trailing 1-0 after the first period, DU tied it when senior forward Ty Loney scored on a wrist shot at 9:30 of the second period.
The Pioneers took the lead at 16:15 of the second period when Gabe Levin scored off a pass from Emil Romig.
Kalle Kossila scored on the power play for St. Cloud State (15-17-1, 10-12-1-0) early in the third period to tie the game at 2-2.
But the Pioneers answered when Plant, a defenseman, scored on a long-range slap shot.
DU freshman goalie Tanner Jaillet held the Huskies scoreless the rest of the way.
A win by the Pioneers on Saturday will wrap up home ice for next week’s playoffs.
