The University of Denver on Monday retained the No. 1 ranking in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll, but slipped to No. 2 behind Penn State in the U.S. College Hockey Online poll.
The Pioneers (15-5-4) split a two-game series at No. 12 Western Michigan last weekend while the Nittany Lions (16-2-1) swept unranked Michigan State at home. DU has the country’s second-toughest strength of schedule while Penn State’s is 34th.
Also Monday, Denver goalie Tanner Jaillet was named National Collegiate Hockey Conference goalie of the week after allowing only two goals in two games against Western Michigan. Although DU lost 3-0 on Friday before winning 7-2 Saturday, Western Michigan scored two empty-net goals in the opener and Jaillet was replaced late in the series finale with a 7-1 lead.