Youngsters lift Pioneers to a win over Spartans

DENVER 2, MICHIGAN STATE 1

east lansing, mich.» After two scoreless periods, the Pioneers got goals from freshman Henrik Borgström and sophomore Jarid Lukosevicius for a 2-1 victory over Michigan State on Friday night.

Borgström gave Denver a lead with his even-strength goal 5:33 into the third period. Lukosevicius provided insurance 11 minutes later on assists from Borgström and sophomore defenseman Blake Hillman.

“As a team, we were efficient tonight and that’s what you need to be when you’re playing away from home,” Denver coach Jim Montgomery said. “Our first two periods in particular we were strong defensively and made good decisions with the puck. Our offensive execution isn’t where it needs to be just yet but we’re definitely generating scoring chances and that’s a sign we’re headed in the right direction.”

Patrick Khodorenko scored a power-play goal for the Spartans with 1:21 remaining after senior Matt Marcinew went off for tripping at 16:48.

Junior goaltender Tanner Jaillet stopped 19 shots for the Pioneers, while Denver peppered Michigan State netminder Ed Minney with 26.

“I loved the way Tanner played tonight,” Montgomery said. “He was aggressive, he was reading the puck well and his positioning was outstanding all night long.”

Denver squandered four power-play opportunites, but the Pioneers killed off three of four. Senior Emil Romig led Denver with four shots on goal.

The Pioneers have won three straight.