Denver has clinched a spot in the NCAA championship game following a dramatic double-overtime victory against Michigan in the Frozen Four semifinals. The Pioneers, a No. 2 regional seed, secured the 4-3 win with Kent Anderson's goal at 7:25 of the second overtime period. This triumph keeps alive Denver's pursuit of its third national title in five years.
The Pioneers will face Wisconsin in the championship final on Saturday. Wisconsin, a 2-1 winner over North Dakota in the other semifinal, advanced by stifling a North Dakota offense that was previously ranked third nationally in scoring. The Badgers' defense proved particularly effective, limiting North Dakota's opportunities and neutralizing their power play, including a two-man advantage in the second period.
Johnny Hicks, Denver's freshman goaltender, was instrumental in the win, stopping a career-high 49 shots. The Pioneers' comeback was bolstered by Clarke Caswell's game-tying goal that forced overtime, along with scores from Kyle Chyzowski and Cale Ashcroft.
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Despite being outshot significantly by Michigan—52-25 according to one report—Denver persevered. Michigan held a 2-1 lead at the end of the first period, and controlled possession for extended stretches, particularly in the overtime periods. The Wolverines' penalty kill unit remained perfect throughout the contest.
This semifinal contest is being described as an "instant classic," pushing well into the early hours of Friday morning and generating considerable excitement. For Michigan, this marks their fifth overtime game of the season.
