Turns out No. 12 Denver’s exhibition offensive eruption was no mirage. For one night the Pioneers proved they can score in bunches when games count, too.

DU thrashed visiting Arizona State, 8-3, in part on the strength of its top line’s nine-point night.

More impressive was how the Pioneers consistently carried the play, as evidenced by margins of 86-29 in total shots and 55-25 in shots on goal.

Here are three observations from the opening night rout at Magness Arena:

They’re No. 1

It’s called a top line for a reason, and if you watched Cole Guttman, Bobby Brink and Carter Savoie on Friday it was pretty clear why.

The trio was fantastic, accounting for three goals and nine points.

More astounding was their shot total of 24.

“They were very good at both ends of the rink,” Carle said. “Dynamic with puck, their puck support was good, their ability to attack. They were strong in their own end. … It was a dynamic night out of the group.”

Added Guttman, “We used our speed and stuck within systems and stayed with our details.”

Special teams battle

Special teams were a mixed bag for Denver.

On one hand, the power play got on track, scoring twice in seven chances. On the other hand, the penalty kill was dinged for three goals in four tries.

Arizona State’s first PPG came after DU was whistled for a penalty on its first shift. Senior Johnny Walker gathered a loose puck and put it past Magnus Chrona (19 saves). The Sun Devils’ next two (one in each of the next two periods) came on one-timers, the latter of which got past freshman Matt Davis, who came on for the game’s final 8 minutes and change.

“It wasn’t any secret their power play was dynamic and elite,” Carle said, referring to ASU’s five PPGs last weekend. “We don’t start the way we want and obviously they make us pay.

Meanwhile, Guttman’s second goal, late in the second period, came on the man advantage, as did Massimo Rizzo‘s first NCAA goal late in the third.

The Guttman tally came from the slot off a left-wing feed from Brink, while Rizzo also was between the circles when a Brett Stapley pass from the left flank found him with time and space.

“The power play in the second period took its game to another level,” Carle added.

Offensemen

Four of DU’s six defensemen had points (for a total of six points), and senior Kyle Mayhew led the way with a goal and an assist while junior Justin Lee had two helpers.

Not only did the back end move the puck up the ice quickly but it showed little hesitation about joining the attack.

“Their breakouts were really good,” Guttman said. “I’m very happy with how they played.”

Notes: Denver native Matt Kopperud scored one of ASU’s three power-play goals. … Five newcomers had their first points for Denver, including two from Carter Mazur and Rizzo, each of whom had a goal and an assist. Sean Behrens, Jack Devine and grad transfer Cameron Wright also had points. … DU dominated in the face-off circle, winning 44 of 72 draws (61 percent). Guttman won 14 of 22 (63.6 percent), while Stapley and Jack Works each took 8 of 11 (72.7 percent)

©First Line Editorial 2021