The Buffaloes took down the Pioneers 5-3 in their last meeting on Feb. 10. After leaving the first period tied 1-1, the Buffaloes surged into the second stanza, scoring three unanswered goals. Colorado capped it off in the final period with their fifth and final goal of the evening.
David Key, Alex Lencioni, Chase Komatz, Ryan Donato and Brian Kelly all scored for the Buffaloes, while J.P Park, Sam Blass, Charlie Coleman, Moore, Cody Glickman and Sam Kinney all picked up assists. Lencioni picked up his first hat trick of the season in the first period. The victory improved the Buffaloes season record to 23-7-0-1.
The Buffs kicked off the first period fast, with two goals in less than five minutes. Colorado continued their offensive assault on the Pioneers, with two additional goals from Lencioni and Komatz. With 8:04 remaining in the stanza, Lencioni received a leading pass from Park and shot from the slot, finding the back of the cage for the hat trick. The Buffaloes closed out the period ahead by four, after allowing a single goal by Denver.
As the contest entered the second period, Denver showed they still had some fight in them scoring 7:37 into the stanza on a power play. With 1:07 remaining in the second twenty minutes, Coleman took a hard shot from the slot and scored Colorado’s only point of the period.
Colorado continued to take down Denver’s defense in the third stanza. With 12:27 on the clock, Kelly fired a shot from deep in Pioneer territory, giving the Buffaloes a 7-2 lead. Kelly’s goal was his first since Oct. 23 against Weber State. 4:50 later, Lencioni continued his hot streak, scoring his fourth and final goal in the evening. This marked Lencioni’s first four goal game with the Division II squad.
“It felt great getting the hat trick on my final game on CU ice,” said forward Lencioni, who claimed his 57th point in the season, third most at CU since the 2006-07 season. “It was surreal, but I am ready to take my team and this momentum to regionals.”
Goaltender Mike McGrath had 15 saves in the Buffs victory. McGrath claimed his 13th win of the season.
Colorado seniors Lencioni, Moore, McGrath, Donato, Jeff Palmer and Reilly O’ Brien were honored for their time and dedication to the CU hockey program between periods.
“We really finished strong tonight,” said forward Moore. “This is exactly what we needed heading into such an intense time in our season next weekend.”
Next, the Buffaloes will head to the ACHA regional tournament in San Jose, Calif. where they will fight for their chance to compete at Nationals. Colorado is scheduled to play the No. 9 University of Nevada- Las Vegas on Feb. 25 at 8:30 p.m at Sharks Ice Arena at Fremont. If the Buffs defeat the Rebels they will continue on to play on Feb. 26, a second win will grant them Nationals berth.
Watch the live archived video broadcast of the Colorado-Denver game at: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/cubuffshockey
Scoring Summary
First Period
18:51 CU David Key, assisted by Brennan Stieneker and Chase Komatz16:02 CU Alex Lencioni, assisted by Tyler Moore and J.P Park
10:23 CU Chase Komatz, assisted by Brennan Stieneker and David Key
8:04 CU Alex Lencioni, assisted by Charlie Coleman
6:24 DU David Dredged, assisted by Tate Kendall and Cesar Soto
2:01 CU Alex Lencioni, assisted by J.P ParkSecond Period
12:23 DU Jay Gervens, assisted by Kevin Brooks PP
1:07 Ryan Donato assisted by Sam BlassThird Period
12:27 CU Brian Kelly, assisted by Cody Glickman and Charlie Coleman 7:43 CU Alex Leniconi, assisted by Tyler Moore and Sam Kinney
Shots on Goal
CU: 45DU: 30
Power Plays
CU: 0-for-3DU: 1-for-5
Senior Stats:
-Alex Lencioni is tied for third most points in a season thus far since 06-07 season. 57 points
-Reilly O’ brien- 14 points this season. -Ryan Donato- 12 points- not including game winner last night
-Tyler Moore- 21 points this season.
-Jeff Palmer- 5 points. Defenseman.
Mike McGrath- had a season high of saves of 58 saves
