Denver Eliminates Michigan in Double Overtime Thriller at Frozen Four
Denver eliminated Michigan in a double overtime Frozen Four thriller Thursday night in Las Vegas. The deciding play came at T-Mobile Arena before 17,942 fans.
Final outcome and stakes
Denver defeated Michigan 4-3 in double overtime. Captain Kent Anderson scored the game-winner with 7:25 remaining in the second extra period.
The win moves Denver (28-11-3) into the national title game. They will face Wisconsin (24-12-2) Saturday at 5:30 p.m. ET. It is Wisconsin’s first championship appearance since 2011.
How the game unfolded
Denver opened the scoring on a quick sequence finished by Kyle Chyzowski. Michigan answered with back-to-back goals to take a 2-1 lead into the first intermission.
Cale Ashcroft tied the game early in the second period for Denver. In the third, Jayden Perron converted on a power play to put Michigan ahead 3-2.
With 2:46 remaining, a Garrett Brown attempt caromed off Clarke Caswell and tied the game. Neither team scored in the first overtime.
Winning moment
In double overtime, former Michigan commit Kristian Epperson fed Kent Anderson. Anderson buried what was his second goal of the season to end the game.
The goal sealed Michigan’s season and sent Denver to the title match.
Goalie work and shot totals
Michigan goalie Jack Ivankovic made 22 saves on 26 shots. Denver netminder Johnny Hicks stopped 49 of 52.
Hicks extended an unbeaten run to 16 starts dating back to late January. Michigan outshot Denver 52-26 overall.
Key penalties and moments
Michigan earned a critical power play late in the third after an Eric Jamieson cross-check. That set up Perron’s tying power-play tally earlier.
Garrett Schifsky was assessed a boarding penalty in the third. A Will Horcoff slash drew a penalty in overtime that briefly affected momentum for both teams.
Historical context
This marked another tough Frozen Four exit for Michigan. It was their fifth overtime game at the Frozen Four since the program’s 1998 title run, and the Wolverines have now lost each of those overtime contests.
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