The Pioneers are back in action, and it doesn’t get much bigger than a series at No. 4 North Dakota. With that in mind, we had to Take 2 with DU coach Jim Montgomery to talk Fighting Hawks, Pios health and Thanksgiving leftovers.

Mayhem: How much of an impact will not having defenseman Will Butcher for Friday night’s game have? (Butcher has to sit after receiving a DQ late in the second game at Wisconsin)

Monty: It’s a big hole in our lineup but it doesn’t change the way we’re going to play. We’re going to expect our defensemen to play the same way. It’s just a matter of how do the players who get more minutes handle that? … We won a game in Wisconsin with Trevor Moore (out) sick and he’s a big piece of our puzzle. Players are going to have to play with confidence and play assertive.

Mayhem: How are some of the other injured players doing?

Monty: Matt Van Voorhis (concussion) is 100 percent healthy. (Brad) Hawkinson (upper body) is pretty much at 100 percent. Both have looked good in practice this week. Trevor Moore is starting to get close to 100 percent. He had a bad virus. (Before missing the previous game) The three before that he wasn’t himself, he played through it.

Mayhem: Obviously North Dakota is a tough venue to play at. What stands out about their team so far?

Monty: They’re going to pose a problem we haven’t seen since Boston College – their D men are extremely active, very talented. They have the most dangerous forward line (Brock Boeser, Drake Caggiula and Nick Schmaltz have combined for 58 points already) in the nation. So we’re going to have to be very good in our defensive transitions. Our checking skills are going to have to be at their best in order to give us an opportunity. And the other part is very much like Boston College they pressure you when they don’t have the puck so we’re going to have to play with poise and make smart decisions so we can maintain possession and create some offense.

Mayhem: Let’s lighten it up. What is your favorite Thanksgiving dinner item?

Monty: Mashed potatoes and gravy – at least three helpings!

@MagnessMayhem