Denver Pioneers Fall to Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs 5-2
Bulldogs Score Four Unanswered Goals to Secure Victory
February 19, 2023
The No. 1 Denver Pioneers suffered their first NCHC loss of the season on Saturday night, falling 5-2 to the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs at Amsoil Arena. The loss snaps Denver's 10-game winning streak and drops their record to 20-5-1 overall and 12-2-1 in conference play.
Minnesota Duluth took an early lead on a goal by Noah Cates just 2:38 into the game. Denver responded with a power-play goal by Mike Benning at 11:40, but the Bulldogs regained the lead on a goal by Blake Biondi at 17:21.
The Bulldogs extended their lead to 3-1 early in the second period on a goal by Tanner Laderoute. Denver cut the lead to 3-2 on a goal by Ryan Barrow at 11:07, but Minnesota Duluth put the game away with two unanswered goals in the third period by Cates and Biondi.
Denver outshot Minnesota Duluth 37-25, but could not overcome the Bulldogs' opportunistic offense. The Pioneers were 1-for-5 on the power play, while Minnesota Duluth was 1-for-4.
With the win, Minnesota Duluth improves to 16-8-2 overall and 9-6-1 in NCHC play. The Bulldogs are now tied with Denver for second place in the NCHC standings, one point behind North Dakota.
Denver will look to rebound next weekend when they travel to Grand Forks, North Dakota to face the Fighting Hawks. Minnesota Duluth will host the Omaha Mavericks next weekend.
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