A few observations from the Pioneers’ 4-2 non-conference victory over Michigan State on Friday night:

Turning Point: Seconds after the Spartans seized a 2-1 lead 3:14 into the third period, DU captain Grant Arnold took a potentially costly penalty. The Pioneers hung tough on the ensuing penalty kill and goalie Evan Cowley (25 saves) made a huge stop to prevent the deficit from growing. From there, the Pioneers’ forecheck  took over. “If we continue to get better at our puck pressure and being relentless on top of pucks, we can continue to be a good hockey team,” Coach Jim Montgomery said on ROOT Sports’ telecast after the win.

How DU Won: Michigan State, clearly tiring, left the points uncovered, and defenseman Matt VanVoorhis and center Gabe Levin capitalized, almost from the same point on the left circle, in a 3:19 span midway through the third period. The Pioneers regrouped after allowing an early goal in the first period for the third time in three games.

Offensive Defensemen: DU’s defensemen again played a huge role in the Pioneers’ offense. VanVoorhis’ goal tied the score, and Nolan Zajac’s control of the puck deep in the MSU zone 3 minutes later ultimately led to Levin’s winning goal. Levin, covering the left point for Zajac, found himself all alone to receive a pass from Trevor Moore. DU’s defensemen have accounted for three goals and eight assists through three games.

Freshmen Express: Plenty has been said about the talent level of the incoming freshmen class, and it was obvious Friday night those claims were well founded. Dylan Gambrell’s shot after a nifty move in tight led to Emil Romig’s first-period rebound goal, Logan O’Connor found VanVoorhis all alone for his strike, and then O’Connor iced the victory with a great individual effort for an empty-net goal. Montgomery was impressed, “To see guys like Dylan Gambrell, Logan O’Connor and Troy Terry start to make high-end plays, it really bodes well for what we can do.”

@Magness Mayhem