Preview: Denver vs. Michigan
When it comes to Frozen Fours — at least in recent college hockey history — few programs understand the stage better than Denver and Michigan.
The Pioneers are back in the Frozen Four for the third consecutive season and for the fourth time in the last five years. Denver, as many of you know, is chasing its third national title in that span.
Meanwhile, the Wolverines return to the Frozen Four after last season’s disappointing absence, which saw them miss the NCAA Tournament altogether. Prior to that, Michigan had made three straight Frozen Four appearances.
The last meeting between these two historic programs came in the 2022 national semifinals — a 3-2 Denver victory in overtime at TD Garden in Boston, sealed by Carter Savoie.
“We know what their identity is with the video and technology that’s available to us now, and they know what we are as well,” Michigan coach Brandon Naurato said this week. “I think if you look back at that game from 2022, when I was an assistant, it’s very similar. The game will be about who can execute and get to their identity first and for the longest. When momentum shifts, if it’s going our way how can we stack that? If it’s going their way, how do we negate it?”
Here’s how the matchup breaks down.
Denver’s Keys to Victory
1) Johnny Hicks must be the Richter-caliber goaltender he’s been in the second half
Johnny Hicks isn’t under consideration for the Richter Award, but that’s largely because he didn’t see regular time until mid-January when Quentin Miller went down with an injury.
Let’s be honest — if Hicks had posted his numbers (1.12 goals-against average, .958 save percentage) over a full season, he wouldn’t just be a Richter favorite; he’d likely be in the Hobey Baker conversation.
In 19 appearances, Hicks has allowed more than two goals just once.
Denver will need him at his absolute best to contain Michigan’s top-ranked offense. The Wolverines lead the nation at 4.6 goals per game, but their losses tell a different story — just 11 total goals scored in seven defeats (1.57 per game).
It’s easier said than done, but the Pioneers need a way to limit Michigan’s scoring. Their defensive structure and attention to details will matter, but so will an elite performance from their goaltender. I don’t think any team can beat Michigan with an average or below-average performance from the man between the pipes.
2) Stay out of the penalty box
In that 2022 semifinal, Denver didn’t give Michigan’s power play a single opportunity. It was a penalty-free performance against a unit that ranked No. 3 nationally at 26.8 percent.
This year’s Michigan power play is even more dangerous — No. 1 in the country at 31.6 percent.
If Denver wants to slow this game down and dictate terms, discipline is non-negotiable. Either the penalty kill must be flawless, or better yet, it shouldn’t be needed at all.
3) A big night from Boston Buckberger
There’s some uncertainty surrounding Hobey Baker finalist Eric Pohlkamp. His minutes in the NCAA Tournament (just over 20 per game) suggest something may still be lingering after blocking a shot off his foot in the NCHC Tournament.
Whatever has nagged him probably isn’t a huge deal, and he’s had almost two weeks to heal up. And again, his usage hasn’t really suffered. He only played a little more than 20 minutes in each regional game, but that seemed to be by design (even Buckberger’s minutes were below his season average).
Regardless, it feels like a spot where Buckberger, who has gone somewhat unheralded with Pohlkamp having a Hobey-caliber season, could be a big part of the game.
Michigan’s Keys to Victory
1) Goaltending must match Denver’s
Much like Denver, Michigan’s path runs through its goaltender.
Jack Ivankovic has been, all season, the X-factor. He gives Michigan something it lacked in its previous Frozen Four runs — a game-stealing presence in net.
Since returning from injury on Feb. 7, Ivankovic has been inconsistent, with flashes of brilliance mixed with average and below-average outings. But the talent is undeniable.
Denver may not be the offensive juggernaut of past years (3.6 goals per game), but it enters this game red hot — 23 goals in its last five games, with four or more goals in eight of its last 11.
Michigan will need Ivankovic’s “A” game.
2) The first goal matters — a lot
Denver is 19-3 when it scores first. Michigan is 24-3 when it scores first.
You don’t need a math degree to understand what that means.
While Michigan has shown the ability to come from behind (7-4-1 when trailing 1-0), it’s far more dangerous playing with a lead. Once the Wolverines get one, they tend to come in waves.
3) Win the game in transition
Naurato said it himself — identity will decide this game.
Michigan cannot allow Denver to settle into its structure. Instead, the Wolverines need to push pace, attack off the rush, and create in transition — areas where they excel.
Looking at the analytics, players like Michael Hage, and Jayden Perron are among the nation’s best in transition play, with Ben Robertson contributing significantly on zone exits.
Denver thrives on structure and detail, but even more so, it seems like this team puts an emphasis on that. Can Michigan bust through that structure in transition? We’ll see.