Denver pioneers 7-1 arizona state sun devils hockey game recap: a comprehensive look at the 2021 blowout

The Denver Pioneers delivered a statement performance on December 4, 2021, dismantling the Arizona State Sun Devils 7-1 at Oceanside Ice Arena in Tempe, Arizona. This commanding victory capped a perfect four-game season sweep for the No. 12-ranked Pioneers, who outscored the Sun Devils 13-3 across the weekend series in the desert. More than just another non-conference win, this game demonstrated the widening gap between an established national power and a developing independent program still finding its footing at the Division I level.

Magnus Chrona stood tall in net with 34 saves, while Massimo Rizzo led the offensive charge with two goals. The victory extended Denver’s winning streak to six games and improved their record to 10-4-0 overall. For Arizona State, the loss dropped them to 7-9-0, highlighting the challenges they faced as an independent program navigating one of college hockey’s most difficult schedules without conference support.

Historical context of the denver pioneers and arizona state sun devils matchup

The 2021-22 season represented a unique scheduling arrangement that saw these programs face each other four times—something Denver hadn’t done against a non-conference opponent since the 1983-84 campaign. This unusual frequency created a mini-rivalry within the season and provided a clear measuring stick for both teams’ development.

The 2021-22 season series sweep

Denver’s dominance over Arizona State began on opening weekend in early October at Magness Arena, where the Pioneers won 8-3 and 4-3 in front of their home crowd. The December series in Tempe followed a similar pattern, with DU winning 6-2 on Friday before the decisive 7-1 victory on Saturday. The cumulative 27-9 goal differential across all four games illustrated the significant talent and experience gap between the programs.

For the Pioneers, this sweep provided valuable non-conference victories that would bolster their NCAA tournament resume. The win streak during this period helped propel them toward a national championship run that would culminate in April 2022. For Arizona State, the series served as a harsh but necessary lesson about the standard required to compete with elite programs, even as they prepared for eventual NCHC membership.

Program trajectories at the time of the 7-1 game

Denver entered the 2021-22 season as a perennial powerhouse under head coach David Carle, featuring future NHL prospects and veteran leadership. Their offense ranked among the nation’s best, averaging 4.3 goals per game while maintaining a .116 shooting percentage. The Pioneers boasted a roster stacked with talent including Bobby Brink, Carter Savoie, Cole Guttman, and Brett Stapley—players who would eventually hoist the national championship trophy.

Arizona State, meanwhile, was in their seventh season as an independent program since elevating to Division I in 2015. Without conference affiliation, head coach Greg Powers had to cobble together a challenging schedule that often pitted his developing squad against established powers. The Sun Devils were still building their roster depth and recruiting infrastructure, facing programs with significantly more resources and tradition. This developmental phase made them vulnerable to lopsided results against elite competition, though it also provided invaluable experience that would shape their future success.

Game breakdown: How denver’s offensive juggernaut overwhelmed arizona state

The 7-1 final score tells only part of the story. Denver’s systematic dismantling of Arizona State unfolded methodically across three periods, with each stanza revealing different aspects of the Pioneers’ superiority. From puck possession to special teams execution, DU controlled virtually every facet of the contest.

First period offensive explosion sets the tone

Denver came out aggressive, establishing a 2-0 lead before the first intermission. Cole Guttman opened the scoring at 3:54, converting a cross-feed from Carter Savoie after Justin Lee’s stretch pass caught the ASU defense flat-footed. Just five minutes later, Massimo Rizzo doubled the advantage with a power-play goal, redirecting Cameron Wright’s shot past the Sun Devils goaltender.

The Pioneers’ ability to generate quality scoring chances stemmed from their superior puck movement and positional play. Their top line of Savoie, Guttman, and Rizzo combined for speed, skill, and hockey IQ that Arizona State’s defense struggled to contain. The Sun Devils’ limited depth on the blue line became apparent as Denver’s attackers found seams and exploited spacing with surgical precision.

Special teams excellence powers the blowout

Denver’s special teams proved devastating, converting 4 of 8 power-play opportunities while killing all three Arizona State penalties. The Pioneers’ power play operated at 24.1 percent efficiency for the season, ranking among the nation’s elite, and Saturday’s performance showcased why. Rizzo’s first-period power-play marker initiated the onslaught, while Bobby Brink’s deflection in the third period demonstrated their creative execution.

Sean Behrens and Rizzo added late power-play goals in the final five minutes, padding the score as Arizona State’s discipline crumbled under pressure. Conversely, Denver’s penalty kill extended its streak to 13 consecutive successful kills, a testament to their structured defensive approach and Chrona’s reliability in net. The special teams disparity—four power-play goals for DU versus zero for ASU—effectively decided the game before the third period began.

Defensive structure and goaltending excellence

While Denver’s offense grabbed headlines, their defensive play and goaltending provided the foundation for dominance. Magnus Chrona’s 34 saves represented his season average, as he consistently gave his team a chance to win every night. His .971 save percentage in this particular game highlighted his ability to rise to the occasion.

The Pioneers’ defensive corps, led by Sean Behrens and Mike Benning, controlled the neutral zone and limited Arizona State’s transition opportunities. They held the Sun Devils to just 35 shots while generating 41 of their own, showcasing their two-way efficiency. When Arizona State did create chances, Chrona was positionally sound and controlled rebounds effectively, preventing second-chance opportunities that could have shifted momentum.

Key individual performances that defined the 7-1 result

Several Pioneers stood out with multi-point efforts, but the game’s significance extended beyond individual statistics. The collective showing demonstrated Denver’s depth and championship-caliber talent distribution across all four lines and defensive pairings.

Massimo Rizzo’s two-goal power-play showcase

Rizzo’s performance exemplified Denver’s offensive firepower. His first goal came on the power play, redirecting a shot just seconds into the man advantage. His second marker, also with the extra attacker, was a low shot from the right circle that beat the goaltender cleanly. Rizzo’s ability to find soft spots in coverage and his quick release made him a constant threat.

The sophomore forward’s six-game point streak matched his career high, demonstrating his consistency during Denver’s winning streak. On this night, Rizzo’s contributions weren’t just about scoring—they reflected his enhanced role as a key contributor on a team loaded with offensive talent. His positioning and hockey sense created space for linemates and forced Arizona State’s penalty killers into difficult decisions.

Brett Stapley’s offensive explosion continues

Stapley entered the December series riding high after recording his first career hat trick on Friday night. His momentum carried into Saturday’s contest, where he scored the pivotal third goal that essentially put the game out of reach. Streaking into the ASU zone, Stapley fired a top-shelf shot that showcased his release and accuracy.

His six points across the two-game series in Tempe (four goals, two assists) highlighted his emergence as a primary offensive weapon. Stapley’s four-goal weekend against the Sun Devils particularly strengthened his confidence, which would serve him well as the season progressed toward postseason play. His ability to elevate his game against non-conference opponents demonstrated the maturity required for championship contention.

Magnus Chrona’s quiet dominance in net

While the offense piled up goals, Chrona provided the stability that allowed his teammates to play with aggression and creativity. His 34 saves included several spectacular stops during Arizona State’s sporadic offensive pushes. The Sun Devils’ lone goal came when Michael Mancinelli knocked in a bouncing puck during a scramble in the crease—essentially the only moment where Chrona couldn’t control the chaos in front of him.

Chrona’s performance reflected his season-long consistency. Finishing the year with a .906 save percentage and 2.25 goals-against average, he established himself as one of college hockey’s premier goaltenders. Against Arizona State, his positioning and rebound control prevented the Sun Devils from generating sustained offensive pressure, effectively breaking their will as the game progressed.

Tactical advantages and strategic execution

Denver’s coaching staff, led by David Carle, implemented a game plan that exploited Arizona State’s weaknesses while maximizing their own strengths. The tactical disparity became increasingly apparent as the game progressed and fatigue set in for the shorter-benched Sun Devils.

Offensive depth overwhelms limited roster

Denver’s ability to roll four lines consistently maintained pressure throughout the game. While Arizona State relied heavily on their top players, the Pioneers could attack in waves. This depth advantage manifested in the third period, when Carter Mazur and Bobby Brink scored within the first 3:18, extending the lead to 5-0 before ASU could respond.

The Pioneers’ balanced scoring attack saw seven different players light the lamp, a testament to their system that created opportunities for everyone. Contrast this with Arizona State’s reliance on a few key contributors, and the result was inevitable. As the game wore on, Denver’s fresh legs and varied attack patterns wore down the Sun Devils’ defense, leading to breakdowns and penalties that further widened the gap.

Special teams battle becomes one-sided affair

Denver’s power play operated with precision and creativity, while Arizona State’s penalty kill struggled with positioning and clears. The Pioneers’ first power-play unit moved the puck seamlessly, creating high-danger chances that forced ASU into desperation mode. When the Sun Devils did kill penalties, they expended enormous energy that limited their ability to generate offense at even strength.

The penalty disparity—eight minors for Arizona State versus three for Denver—reflected the Sun Devils’ fatigue and frustration. As the score grew lopsided, ASU’s discipline deteriorated, leading to late-game penalties that Denver gladly converted. The special teams execution gap highlighted the difference between a championship-caliber program and one still developing fundamental systems.

Broader implications for both programs

The 7-1 result carried significance beyond the immediate standings. For Denver, it represented another step toward their ultimate goal. For Arizona State, it provided a clear benchmark for the work required to compete at the highest level. Both programs would use this game as a reference point in their respective journeys.

Denver’s path to national championship glory

The December 2021 series against Arizona State served as a perfect mid-season tune-up for Denver’s championship run. The four games allowed Carle’s staff to experiment with line combinations, refine special teams, and build confidence before the rigorous NCHC schedule intensified. The offensive explosion—27 goals in four games—demonstrated their firepower while the defensive structure limited quality chances.

This game specifically showcased elements that would define Denver’s championship identity: balanced scoring, special teams excellence, and goaltending reliability. The Pioneers finished the season 31-9-1, capturing the NCAA title in April 2022. Looking back, the Arizona State series provided a confidence boost during a six-game winning streak that propelled them through the challenging winter months.

Arizona State’s developmental journey continues

For the Sun Devils, the lopsided series served as a reality check about the standard required at the Division I level. Head coach Greg Powers knew his program needed to experience these challenges to grow. The four-game set exposed roster depth issues, defensive breakdowns, and special teams deficiencies that would need addressing before their eventual NCHC debut in 2024-25.

The experience of facing Denver’s talent and structure provided valuable film and teaching moments. While the immediate results were painful, they helped shape recruiting priorities and player development strategies. Players who endured these losses gained mental toughness that would serve them well in future seasons. The Sun Devils’ resilience through difficult stretches ultimately prepared them for the competitive environment they now face in the NCHC, where dramatic comebacks against quality opponents have become more common.

Lasting legacy of the 7-1 denver pioneers victory

The December 4, 2021 game remains a milestone in the Denver-Arizona State hockey relationship. For Denver, it was business as usual—a dominant performance against an overmatched opponent that reinforced their championship credentials. The 7-1 scoreline reflected the execution, depth, and talent disparity that defined the best teams in college hockey.

For Arizona State, the loss stung but provided crucial experience. The Sun Devils have since joined the NCHC, gaining the conference stability and competitive environment necessary for sustainable growth. While results against top programs remain challenging, the program’s trajectory points upward as they develop talent and build depth.

College hockey thrives on these cross-program matchups that showcase different stages of development. Denver’s systematic victory demonstrated what sustained excellence looks like, while Arizona State’s perseverance through difficult seasons prepared them for their current competitive environment. The 7-1 game serves as a snapshot of two programs at different points in their evolution—a memory for Pioneers fans on their championship journey and a learning experience for Sun Devils players who now compete in one of hockey’s toughest conferences.