Michigan sweeps Denver in Frozen Four Rematch

The No. 2 Michigan Wolverines made a statement in their first regular-season series against the No. 1 Denver Pioneers, sweeping the defending national champions with a 4-1 Friday win and a dramatic 4-3 Saturday win. The weekend rematch carried extra significance after Denver eliminated Michigan in double overtime in last season’s Frozen Four semifinal.

Michigan opened the weekend by spoiling Denver’s national championship banner-raising celebration Friday night. Jayden Perron scored in the first period, while Malcolm Spence doubled the lead in the second. Cole McKinney added a third goal in the final period before Spence sealed the victory with an empty-netter. Denver’s Kyle Chyzowski scored late to prevent the shutout, but the Pioneers could not overcome Michigan’s pressure in all three zones and goaltender Jack Ivankovic, who finished with 27 saves. 

The loss snapped Denver’s 19-game winning streak dating back to January. Saturday’s rematch delivered a much different contest. Denver responded with greater offensive presence, rallying from a two-goal deficit to tie the game at 3-3 in the third period. Kristian Epperson opened the scoring on the power play for the Pioneers, but Michigan answered through Garrett Schifsky and Adam Valentini to take a 2-1 lead after the opening period. Perron extended the Wolverines’ advantage early in the second before Denver began its comeback. Perron, a senior forward, now has nine goals and 15 points in six games; the next closest to him in goals is still four behind him. 

Denver appeared to be in the driver's seat, outshooting Michigan 14-4 in the final period. However, the Wolverines found a way to regain the lead when Asher Barnett’s shot from the blue line took a weird bounce off the end glass, the top of the net, and a Denver player before crossing the goal line with 4:53 remaining. Friday’s disciplined defensive effort was followed by Saturday’s resilience under pressure. Ivankovic remained a key figure, making 33 saves in the second game as Denver finished with a 36-25 advantage in shots.

For Denver, the series offered both frustration and encouragement. The Pioneers demonstrated their ability to battle back against an elite opponent, but missed opportunities and a late unlucky bounce proved costly. They’ll be able to use this film to not just get better moving on, but they’ll be more prepared if these teams are to face in the spring.

Michigan left Denver unbeaten at 6-0, while the Pioneers fell to 2-2. With the rivalry renewed and both teams eyeing another postseason run, the weekend offered an early glimpse of two programs capable of competing for a national championship.