Six months after Denver ended Michigan hockey’s season, the Wolverines got even to open this weekend's series.
No. 2 Michigan never trailed in a 4-1 win over No. 1 Denver on Friday, Oct. 16. The win opens a two-game road series with a statement for Michigan, which had lost two prior meetings against Denver in the 2022 and 2026 Frozen Four.
Denver raised the banner for its 2026 national championship to the Magness Arena rafters before Friday’s game — the same title it won by beating Michigan 4-3 in double overtime in the Frozen Four. That loss was on the minds of the Wolverines not only in preparation for this series, but for the entire season, especially for 15 returners from last year’s team.
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Then, 8:25 into the game, Jayden Perron gave Michigan a 1-0 lead. Malcolm Spence added another 10:18 into the second period, the only shot Michigan put on target that period. He also had the empty-net goal that sealed the win in the third period. Before that, Cole McKinney pushed it to 3-0 7:47 into the third period. All three scorers were among the Wolverines who watched with tear-blurred eyes when Denver ended their season six months ago.
Jack Ivankovic notched his 1,000th save in the third period as he stopped 27 of 28 shots he faced in the win. He didn’t allow a goal until 3:41 remained on the clock, the Pioneers’ Kyle Chyzowski scoring that one on the power play for a penalty by freshman defenseman Cam Reid.
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Michigan and Denver finish the series Saturday, Oct. 17, at Magness Arena for an 8 p.m. puck drop. That game is only viewable on NCHC.tv.cearegood@detroitnews.com@ConnorEaregood
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: No. 2 Michigan hockey beats No. 1 Denver in Frozen Four redemption to open series