Top-ranked Denver overcame an early deficit with a second-period, power-play blitzkrieg en route to defeating Niagara, 6-2, in a non-conference game Friday night at Magness Arena.

Junior Kohen Olischefski scored DU’s first and last goals, and sophomore Brett Stapley and captain Ian Mitchell each added three assists for the Pioneers (7-0). Griffin Mendel and Emilio Pettersen each had two assists.

Eleven skaters registered points for Denver, which outshot the guests, 48-16, including 35-8 over the final two periods.

The Pioneers scored three times on power plays in the second period to flip a 2-1 deficit into a 5-2 lead.

“We were much better 5 on 5, we drew the penalties because of our foot speed,” Denver coach David Carle said. “We got contributions from three different lines, and both power play units scored so we got to showcase our depth.”

Slava Demin, Cole Guttman and Bobby Brink each had a power-play tally, and Tyler Ward added an even-strength strike for the third of the four goals in the frame. Brink’s goal was his team-high fourth.

Olischefski staked the Pioneers to a lead 2:32 into the game, but the Purple Eagles (0-5) of Atlantic Hockey responded with goals roughly 10 minutes apart from Chris Harpur and Brandon Stanley, and carried a 2-1 lead into the first intermission.

“We wanted to have a good start and get some separation early,” Carle said. “They got some life, and we got a little reckless and careless with the puck. Give them credit, they were able to capitalize and get a few goals.”

The teams conclude the series Saturday at 7 p.m. During the first intermission, more than 170 alumni spanning much of DU’s 70-year hockey history will be honored.

©First Line Editorial 2019