No. 1 Denver (4-0) vs. No. 6 Boston College (2-0)

7:07 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Magness Arena

Series: Denver leads, 17-15-0

Three things to watch

The first period – DU has fallen behind in three of its first four games in the first 14-plus minutes. There is a big difference chasing a game against a skill-laden team like the Eagles than the WCHA foes the Pioneers rallied against. “We need to have better starts so we’re not having to come back,” coach David Carle said this week. “And we have to play faster, especially through the neutral zone. We can penetrate people quicker and faster than we have been.”

Masked men – Both teams are breaking in new goalies. BC’s was planned with Florida Panthers first-round pick Spencer Knight taking over in goal for Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Joseph Woll. DU has turned to freshman Magnus Chrona, a Tampa Bay Lightning prospect whom we profiled this week, while junior Devin Cooley recovers from a lower-body injury expected to keep him out another month.

Measurables – Your average BC player is an inch taller and nearly eight pounds heavier than your average DU player. In addition to Cooley, it’s possible that DU again won’t have the services of 6-foot-5 senior defenseman Erich Fear again this weekend, making the size differential even more pronounced. This is a series that should prepare the Pioneers well for the rigors of NCHC play, where they’ll see more big, fast, skilled teams.

©First Line Editorial 2019