BOSTON — While most were expecting an offensive explosion in Thursday’s opening game of the 2022 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four between Michigan and Denver, it is defense that has dominated thus far as Denver leads Michigan 1-0 through 20 minutes.
It took Michigan 14:04 just to get its first shot of the game, nearly three minutes after Brett Stapley gave the Pioneers the lead at 11:22.
Stapley crashed the net to grab a loose rebound of Justin Lee’s blast from the point, tucking a backhander past Michigan goaltender Erik Portillo.
The two teams combined for just 11 shots, with Denver holding a 7-4 advantage.