DU Drop In: Pioneers lose second straight to Sun Devils
John Babiak/SB Nation
DU snapped their 12 game winning streak with two consecutive losses to Arizona State. Denver, CO — Last night the University of Denver lost their first game of the year after a 12–0 run to start the year. Arizona State University took down the number one team in the polls for eight straight weeks with a score of 3–2. Last week, Denver beat their conference North Dakota, and ranked ninth in the nation. Zeev Buium (MIN) scored his first career hat trick and, as of Friday, was in a three-way tie for most points for a defenseman. Tory Pitner, the Colorado Avalanche’s draft pick from this summer, scored an assist and his first collegiate point as well. The Pioneers snapped a 21-game win streak that dates back to March 9 against Colorado College. Tonight was much of the same against ASU, as the Pioneers lost their second consecutive game 5–2.
“We’re going to take responsibility for lack of preparation,” said head coach David Carle of the loss. “Our lack of detail and lack of execution, and we’re gonna get better from it.
Aidan Thompson brings the Pios within one after the bloop shot from Kent Anderson. #GoPios #NCAAHockey @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/4pdG2wk9ic— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) November 24, 2024
Takeaways
The Pioneers worked hard on the forecheck through the first period. They kept the pressure on the Sun Devils and would not let up. During the only Pioneer penalty kill, Denver had three shorthanded chances.
Denver allowed too many high-danger chances by the Sun Devils throughout the game. Throughout the game, DU allowed 14 high-danger chances from ASU. Three of them resulted in goals.
Sam Harris (MTL) scored again, adding to his total now up to 17 points for the year. The opponents have held Harris off of the scoresheet only two times this season. He is third on the team in overall points only behind Jack Devine (FLA) and Aidan Thompson (CHI).
Sam Harris converts on PP to put the Pios ahead with just 8 seconds left in the period! Assists from Devine and Buium. #GoPios #NCAAHockey @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/WHVIlm5RNA— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) November 24, 2024
“I just think we need to look ourselves in the mirror,” Harris said. “The NCHC is not an easy league. So we just need to come back after the bye weekend and really show. There is no bounce back from this weekend.”
Upcoming
The Pioneers will have a bye week for the Thanksgiving holiday. The following weekend they hit the road to battle number nine Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
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