Denver adds to success over CC

DU3,CC1

In its glorious history, the seven-time NCAA champion University of Denver has had plenty of remarkable regular-season stretches, but perhaps none as sensational as what the Pioneers are currently enjoying from a statewide and national perspective alike.

Following Saturday night’s 3-1 victory over rival Colorado College at Magness Arena, No. 2-ranked DU is the envy of college hockey. To wit:

— The Pioneers are riding an NCAA-high 14-game unbeaten streak (11-0-3) and have not felt the sting of a loss since opening weekend.

— DU has defeated CC 10 consecutive times over three seasons, with the last two victories over the weekend giving Denver the Gold Pan for the third consecutive year and 12th overall.

— Denver has earned the right to host a likely No. 1 versus No. 2 showdown at Magness Arena next weekend against conference rival Minnesota-Duluth.

“This place has got to be sold out,” DU coach Jim Montgomery said of the upcoming series. “What else would you want in a college hockey series? I hope it’s loud. I hope it’s sold out. I know it’s going to be great hockey. It’s the two best teams in college hockey. It’s fun to see us continue to grow.”

In sweeping Colorado College for the fifth consecutive two-game series Saturday, forwards Dylan Gambrell, Evan Janssen and Logan O’Connor got the goals and goalie Evan Cowley — a senior from Evergreen who was making just his second start of the season — was almost perfect in a 19-save effort.

DU got the wins without leading scorer Henrik Borgstrom, who fell ill Thursday and missed both games with what doctors have yet to diagnose. “They don’t know what it is,” Montgomery said. “It’s not good.”

Denver, which won by the same score Friday at the Broadmoor World Arena, overcame a 1-0 deficit and a sloppy second period in which it gave the Tigers six power-play opportunities.

The only goal of the period came short-handed off the stick of O’Connor, who drove to the net and lifted a backhander past goalie Alex Leclerc with 7.2 seconds remaining.

“I thought Logan O’Connor was the best player on the ice tonight,” Montgomery said.

The Pioneers (11-2-3, 5-0-3 National Collegiate Hockey Conference) outshot the Tigers (3-11, 1-5 NCHC) by a commanding 36-20, including 18-5 in the first period. Mike Chambers: mchambers@ denverpost.com or @mikechambers