TAMPA, Fla. — Although Denver and North Dakota have gone 2-2-1 against each other this season, one area where North Dakota has ruled the Pioneers is special teams: Denver has been held without a power-play goal in 19 tries and has given up three power-play goals to the Fighting Hawks.
Denver’s top line, the Pacific Rim Line of Danton Heinen, Trevor Moore and Dylan Gambrell, will be counted on to provide some offense, especially on the special teams, as the two times Denver beat North Dakota this season, the Pioneers scored more than a goal. In its two losses and one tie, Denver was held to a goal twice and shut out once.
“I think our power play just wasn’t where we wanted it to be and it has improved as the season has gone on,” said Heinen. “The main thing is we have to have a shot-first mentality and off that create seams and more shots.”
“I think when we’ve played them before we’ve been outworked; their penalty kill has outworked our power play,” said Moore. “If we outwork and get the puck more, we’ll be fine.”
