Every great line has to have a nickname, right?

So what to call Denver’s first trio of junior Bobby Brink, senior Cole Guttman and sophomore Carter Savoie?

The triumvirate, each of whom was nominated for the Hobey Baker Award, has posted mind-blowing numbers for this day and age of college hockey – 145 points and 55 goals, and they are a big reason why the Pioneers find themselves at the Frozen Four at Boston for Thursday afternoon’s semifinal against Michigan (3 p.m., ESPN2).

Their 55 goals are almost exactly one third of DU’s 167, a figure that has the Pioneers leading Division I in scoring with 4.3 goals per game. All three are among the top 10 scorers in college hockey. They’re not the only mail carriers on the route, but they are driving the mail truck many nights.

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Grade A in chemistry

This chemistry – as has the entire Pioneer team’s – begins off the ice, Guttman said.

“Me, Bob and Sav are close on and off the ice,” he said. “When we’re working in practice throughout the week and bringing what we can to the game, I think it gels really well. Sometimes we’ll get together during the week and watch video together. We talk about what we see, what we could have done different or what we’re doing well. It really helps us read off each other.”

They are exhibits A, B and C for DU’s puck possession game that will be vital against the high-powered Wolverines. But they not only possess, they finish. All three have 14 or more goals.

What about Bob?

Bobby Brink

Brink, who was selected one of three Hobey finalists, not only leads the country in scoring with 56 points, but he’s been remarkably consistent. The assistant captain, who was a second-round draft choice of the Philadelphia Flyers in 2019, has points in 31 of DU’s 39 games.

His 42 assists also lead Division I.

“Obviously Bob is an unbelievable passer,” Savoie said. “He sees the ice so well.”

Denver is 27-3-1 when Brink scores, 2-6 when he doesn’t. One of the two pointless exceptions was the Loveland Regional semifinal when DU edged UMass Lowell.

Another barometer of Brink’s play has been when he has a multipoint game – something he’s accomplished 16 times – DU is 14-2.

Of the three players, he’s taken the biggest step this season. Brink played 43 games during his first two seasons at DU and had 35 points. His 56 points have come in four fewer games this season. He’s also a plus-25, by far the best of his career.

Gutt check

Cole Guttman

Guttman, a 2017 Tampa Bay Lightning draft choice, has elevated his game across the board, but he’s also been incredibly consistent during his four seasons at DU. His 45 points, 19 goals and 26 assists all are career bests, but this also is a player who twice previously scored 14 goals and has 22 or more points every season.

“Gutter also sees the ice well, and he’s got that sneaky wrister he can let fly,” Savoie said.

Guttman consistently has been excellent on face-offs, winning north of 60 percent, and he’s always displayed a solid defensive acumen. The big difference for him is he’s generated 137 shots on goal, almost 50 more than he’s had in any other season. His shooting percentage (.139) actually is lower than during his freshman and sophomore seasons. He’s also scored fewer power play goals than he had the previous two seasons.

Simply put, he’s been better than ever at even strength and far more willing to shoot.

The sharp shooter

Carter Savoie

Savoie, a 2020 Edmonton Oilers draft pick, possesses a hard, accurate shot and unbelievably quick release. At times he has seemed almost automatic when teeing it up from his off wing. His 22 goals are fourth most in Division I and currently the most among players remaining in the tournament, although Michigan’s Brendan Brisson, Minnesota State’s Ryan Sandelin and teammate Cameron Wright all have 21.

In terms of goal scoring, Savoie has continued to do what he did last season, when he bagged 13 in 24 games, which would project to slightly more than 20 in the 37 games he’s played this season. His shooting percentages are nearly identical (.154 to .153).

Where Savoie’s game has grown is in his defensive play (plus 20 compared to even), his passing (22 assists compared to seven a year ago) and his puck retrievals.

Dedication to getting dirty

Savoie has said several times this season he spent last summer working on his fitness and his skating, and it’s shown.

“Our line’s tenacity as a whole has gotten better throughout the year,” Guttman said. “Playing a full 200-foot game and getting into the dirty areas is something we’ve improved on.”

This is as much a nod to the trio’s want to as it is to their hard work in the gym in the offseason. Despite none of them being taller than 5-foot-10, it’s unusual to see any of the three cleanly knocked off the puck.

“We’re smaller guys (all 5-foot-10 or shorter) so when we’re lined up against bigger guys we’ve done a good job of getting into dirty areas on the forecheck and having a good compete level on battles,” Guttman added.

Thinking man’s game

Savoie said the trio is much more focused than a year ago. It’s not a stretch to say that focus has extended to the entire team.

“Last year we didn’t know what we were hoping for,” he said. “This year our improvement has been everywhere.

“Chemistry comes with playing together a long time. Each practice and game it grows. And we’re always communicating, fixing mistakes, talking on the bench. It all helps.”

It’s been uncanny how well the trio has played together, something that’s not gone unnoticed by goaltender Magnus Chrona.

“I think they have similar minds,” the junior said. “They think alike in the O zone. They have such great communication. They know what each of them are capable of, and they feed off that.

“They know where to find each other. It’s really fun to watch them.”

Now if we only had catchy name for them.

©First Line Editorial 2022