Announcement | Announcement
Announcement | Announcement
Mike Benning and Justin Lee scored in the second period to lead third-ranked Denver to a 2-1 victory over Colorado College Friday night at Magness Arena.
Following a scoreless first period, the Tigers' fourth straight game with no scoring in the opening frame, Benning struck with a power-play goal at the 7:59 mark of the second period. Carter Mazur couldn't gather a pass to the left of CC goalie Kaidan Mbereko and the puck went across the crease to Benning, who went top shelf for a 1-0 lead.
Mbereko skated to the bench following the goal and was replaced by Matt Vernon. Mbereko, who did not return, finished the game with 15 saves.
Justin Lee doubled the lead at 9:49 of the middle frame with a shot from the left circle that hit Vernon's pad then flipped over the goalie's shoulder into the net.
The Tigers (10-20-3, 6-14-3 NCHC) clawed back to cut the deficit in half when Hunter McKown scored his 12th power-play goal, tying him for the national lead. Logan Will took a pass from Noah Laba to the side of DU goalie Matt Davis, then sent a pass across the ice to McKown, who scored from the left circle.
The Pioneers (27-8-0, 18-5-0) outshot CC, 23-21, but the Tigers allowed just four shots in the third period. Davis, who started in place of the injured Magnus Chrona, collected 21 saves, while Vernon had six in relief duty. Each team scored once on the power play, Denver had five opportunities, compared to three for Colorado College.
The Tigers are locked into the No. 7 seed in next week's NCHC playoffs. Their opponent will be determined tomorrow night.
The two teams will battle in the regular-season finale on Saturday, March 4, at Robson Arena, beginning at 6 p.m. CC's six seniors will be honored in post-game ceremony.
Original source can be found here.