Denver tightened up its defense considerably on Saturday night, but it couldn’t capitalize on it.

The No. 3 Pioneers fell at No. 4 St. Cloud State, 2-0, and as a result now share the NCHC lead with the Huskies, who swept the series their 7-3 win Friday.

Magnus Chrona stopped 21 shots for Denver (19-7, 10-4 NCHC), while counterpart Jaxon Castor pitched a 19-save shutout for St. Cloud (18-6, 10-4).

DU had an apparent goal by Casey Dornbach disallowed late in the second period because the refs whistled the play dead as the puck went past Castor.

Pioneers score but the officials blew the whistle a bit early… if you ask us.

The play was reviewed and upheld. No goal. Still 2-0 SCSU. pic.twitter.com/KE1JtDXLcQ

— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) January 22, 2023

Zach Okabe and Jack Rodgers each scored for the second night in a row for St. Cloud, and both tallies came during the second period.

The teams combined for just 42 shots on goal and five penalties.

©First Line Editorial 2023