GRAND FORKS, N.D.? Denver center Geoff Paukovich's two goals helped lift the Pioneers to a 4-2 win over North Dakota on Friday at the Ralph Engelstad Arena, giving Denver its 14th win in its past 16 games.
Denver improved its record to 19-6-1 overall and 14-4-1 in the WCHA. UND fell to 15-11-3 overall and 10-10-1 in the WCHA.
The Pioneers broke out to a 2-0 lead midway through the second period with goals from Paul Stastny and Paukovich.
Freshman Rastislav Spirko (Vrutky, Slovakia) cut the Denver lead to one, scoring off a pass from by sophomore Drew Stafford (Faribault, Minn.). The 5-foot-9 forward backhanded a shot past Denver goalie Glen Fisher at 17:53 of the second period. It was the freshman's eighth goal of the season.
Denver responded 38 seconds later, regaining its two-goal lead off a blast from Nick Larson. Gabe Gauthier and Jeff Drummond assisted on the goal.
Once again, Spirko brought the Sioux within one, scoring on a power play 3:23 into the third period. He was assisted by Stafford and senior Nick Fuher (Grand Forks, N.D.).
Despite UND's efforts, Denver regained the two-goal lead once again on a power play score by Paukovich 6:24 into the third. It was his second goal of the game.
It was UND's second loss in a row to Denver. The last time the two teams met was on March 27 in the NCAA West Regional at Colorado Springs, Colo.
The two teams will meet again Saturday at 7:05 p.m.
