Underdogs Denver, Wisconsin advance to title game
The Pioneers defeated Michigan in double-overtime 4-03 while the Badgers held off North Dakota 2-1 to earn their spot in Saturday's Frozen Four championship.
Members of Denver Pioneers celebrate defeating the Michigan Wolverines in double overtime in the semifinals of the NCAA men's ice hockey Frozen Four at T-Mobile Arena. LAS VEGAS — Leave it to the captain to deliver in the clutch for his team. Kent Anderson had one goal this season for the University of Denver.
But the senior defenseman who serves as the Pioneers’ captain, doubled his scoring output at the most fortuitous time Thursday night as his shot from the slot in the second overtime period with 7:25 left propelled Denver past Michigan 4-3 and into the Frozen Four championship game on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena. Kristian Epperson found Anderson unguarded after Eric Jamieson got possession for Denver. It was a smart play at the right time and it culminated what was a team effort through some physical adversity to end Michigan’s season at 31-8-1.
With its win, Denver (28-11-3) will face Wisconsin after the Badgers (24-12-2) held off a late North Dakota surge to advance, 2-1. Both came into Thursday as underdogs, with Wisconsin a nearly 2-1 ‘dog and Denver plus-130. “It was very entertaining,” Denver coach David Carle said of the second semifinal which drew a sellout crowd of 17,942.
“It took everybody to get the win. “It was a great moment for (Anderson). I’m proud of him that he was able to come through for us.
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