At T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, michigan hockey's top overall seed fell as the Denver Pioneers prevailed in a seven-goal, double overtime game that finished at 92:35.
Kyle Chyzowski opened the scoring with a low one-timer, and Josh Eernisse answered later in the first period. The Wolverines then took the lead into the first intermission after Hobey Baker nominee T.J Hughes saw a wide shot find the net for Michigan.
The second period continued to trade chances, and Denver tied the game early when Cale Ashcroft slipped a slot shot past the Michigan netminder at 2:30 of the period. A Denver tip-in by Clarke Caswell late in regulation forced overtime.
Michigan had a key power play opportunity for Jayden Perron in the third period and appeared poised for a first title game appearance in 15 years. The Pioneers, however, responded and kept the game level to send it to extra time.
Overtime featured a standout goalie duel with Jack Ivankovic and Denver freshman Johnny Hicks. Hicks produced a career-high 49 saves, and the second overtime ended when Kent Anderson, scoring his first goal of the season, beat Ivankovic high to the glove side.
Rest And Implications
The victory hands Denver momentum and a shot at the program's 11th national title in the next game, and the win continued a long winning run the Pioneers sought to extend. David Carle and his players will carry momentum into the final.
Wisconsin, meanwhile, gains a scheduling advantage and more rest before the championship game. The article noted Wisconsin will hold the rest edge over Denver heading into the title matchup.
The game leaves Michigan regrouping after a dramatic loss despite strong special teams play from Jayden Perron and notable scoring from T.J Hughes. Both teams showed offensive depth and goaltenders produced crucial saves late in the contest.
