No. 6 Denver stated its message loud and clear over the weekend:

The Pioneers aren’t back … because they never went anywhere.

DU dispatched Ohio State, 2-0, and American International, 3-0, to win the NCAA Tournament West Regional and advance to the school’s 16th Frozen Four. Four players – goaltender Filip Larsson, defenseman Les Lancaster and forwards Colin Staub and Liam Finlay were selected to the All-Regional team, with Larsson picked as the most outstanding player. And no wonder, he had two shutouts.

Next up, Denver will play UMass in the second of two games at the Frozen Four in Buffalo next Thursday (April 11). ESPN2 will telecast the game at 6:30 p.m., as it will the first matchup in Buffalo – Providence vs. Minnesota Duluth.

LetsGoDU’s Nick Tramaroli joined me late Sunday night via phone to discuss the Pioneers’ weekend in Fargo, N.D., and the outlook for the Frozen Four. We’ll have much more as next Thursday draws closer.

Thank you for taking time to listen!

© First Line Editorial 2017-19