Denver outlasts Michigan in double-overtime epic to advance to Frozen Four final

Denver pulled off a stunning upset in the Frozen Four semifinals, defeating top-seeded Michigan 4-3 in double overtime on Thursday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Kent Anderson’s goal from the slot at 7:25 of the second overtime capped a resilient performance, backed by freshman goaltender Johnny Hicks’ 49 saves.[1] In the other semifinal, Wisconsin edged North Dakota 2-1 to set up a championship clash with the Pioneers on Saturday. These results keep alive Denver’s bid for a third national title in five years and Wisconsin’s first since 2006.

The Pioneers, now 28-11-3 as a No. 2 regional seed, showed remarkable poise despite being outshot 52-26 overall. Michigan dominated extra time with a 21-8 shot advantage, including 13-3 in the second OT, but Hicks stood tall.

Denver’s resilience shines in marathon battle against Michigan

Michigan entered as the nation’s top team at 31-8-1, aiming for their first title since 1998 and an 11th overall to match Denver’s record. The Wolverines reached their fourth Frozen Four in five years, led by Hobey Baker finalist T.J. Hughes, who scored to reach 179 career points, the most among active players.

Josh Eernisse and Jayden Perron also lit the lamp for Michigan, with Perron’s power-play tally from the right point at 8:58 of regulation putting them on the brink of victory. Michigan’s top-ranked power play, converting 31.6% entering the game, struck once but couldn’t close it out.

Denver refused to fade. Clarke Caswell tied it with 2:46 left in regulation, redirecting Garrett Brown’s shot from the goal line. Kyle Chyzowski and Cale Ashcroft added earlier goals, while winger Rieger Lorenz rang the crossbar in the first OT.

Hicks, leading the nation with a 1.12 GAA and .958 save percentage, absorbed a third-period hit but stayed in net. “He’s a battler, he’s unfazed—he was our best player tonight,” Pioneers coach David Carle said.[1]

Pioneers winger Boston Buckberger battled through a bloodied hand after it was stepped on but continued playing. Anderson, not known as a scorer, delivered the winner. “I don’t score many goals, so this is ranking up top so far,” he said. “That means everything to play in this national championship game.”[1]

Michigan coach Brandon Naurato praised his seniors. “It’s hard to have it be over. What these seniors have done for this program, it’s really special,” he noted. Jack Ivankovic made 22 saves in defeat.

Wisconsin grinds out victory over high-powered North Dakota

Wisconsin (24-12-2) struck twice in 27 seconds during the first period—Simon Tassy and Ryan Botterill from the right circle—to build a lead they never relinquished against North Dakota (29-10-1). The Badgers dominated early shots 18-4 and limited the Hawks’ offense, third nationally at 3.8 goals per game.

This marked Wisconsin’s first NCAA tournament win over North Dakota after going 0-3 previously, and their second straight victory over a No. 1 seed. They return to the final for the first time since 2010.

Daniel Hauser’s 21 saves included a highlight-reel glove snatch through traffic on a 6-on-5 with 2:05 left. “Luckily, I found a sight line… I was lucky enough to get a glove on it,” Hauser said.[1]

Ellis Rickwood’s 6-on-5 goal pulled North Dakota within one late, but Jan Spunar’s 35 saves couldn’t overcome the deficit. The Hawks went 0-for-5 on the power play, including a lengthy 5-on-3, and missed a breakaway by Ollie Josephson.

Wisconsin coach Mike Hastings emphasized survival. “At this time of the season, [winning is] all that matters. It doesn’t have to be a Mona Lisa,” he said. Defenseman Ben Dexheimer added, “We’ve been slowly ramping up… we’re just going to keep moving the trajectory upwards.”[1]

North Dakota’s Jake Livanavage lamented special teams. “We just weren’t good enough. The amount of power plays we had, we really should capitalize.”[1] The Hawks haven’t won a title in a decade.

Standout performers and key stats from the semifinals

Both games highlighted goaltending and clutch plays:

• Johnny Hicks (Denver): 49 saves, career high; national leader in GAA (1.12) and save % (.958).
• Daniel Hauser (Wisconsin): 21 saves, including game-saver on 6-on-5.
• Kent Anderson (Denver): Game-winner in 2OT.
• T.J. Hughes (Michigan): Goal, 179 career points (active leader).

These stats underscore Denver and Wisconsin’s defensive grit. For more on NHL prospects in this Frozen Four, check our analysis of top talents.[2]

As previewed earlier on the site, these matchups promised intensity.[3]

Path to the championship: Denver vs. Wisconsin preview

Denver seeks to extend its record 11 titles, while Wisconsin chases a seventh, last in 2006. The Pioneers’ belief never wavered, per Anderson: “We stuck with it throughout the whole game.”[1]

Both teams thrived on timely scoring and elite netminding. Expect another tight contest, with Denver’s experience clashing against Wisconsin’s momentum. Full highlights available on NCAA.com.[4]

Saturday’s final at T-Mobile Arena will decide college hockey’s champion. Whichever team finds a way to win ugly could hoist the trophy, proving late-season form trumps all.[1]