LetsGoDU

DU's Playoff Hopes On The Line Tonight

From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers

(left) JD Corbin returns to night and will play on the same line as Rakhshani & Gifford

DENVER - Forgive George Gwozdecky for not making sense.

"The playoffs are here before the playoffs arrive," the University of Denver coach said.

To interpret, the Pioneers' NCAA Tournament fate could depend on how they fare in their final four regular-season games, because each game is against a team on DU's heels in the all-important Pairwise Rankings.

Finishing 4-0 would get DU into the NCAA Tournament and gain the Pioneers an automatic West Regional berth at the Pepsi Center. Going 2-2 or worse could lead to the Pioneers' second consecutive omission from the NCAA Tournament after winning it all in 2004 and 2005.

"Not making it last year will be a big motivation for these last four games," DU junior center Ryan Dingle said. "Believe me, it has been discussed."

The stretch begins tonight against North Dakota, which brings an 11-game unbeaten streak into the two- game Western Collegiate Hockey Association series at Magness Arena. The Pioneers finish with a home- and-home WCHA series against Colorado College on March 2 (Denver) and March 3 (Colorado Springs).

Denver, 2-4-1 in its past seven games, has dropped to ninth in the generic version of the Pairwise, tied with North Dakota. CC is in a three-way tie for 13th.

Only the top 12 to 14 Pairwise teams will get into the NCAA field. Conference tournament champions are given automatic berths.

"From here on out, it's a playoff mentality," DU junior goalie Peter Mannino said. "Every game counts for both our league and the national picture. If we're on the same page, play together and within our roles, we think good things will happen."

In addition to battling for an NCAA berth, DU, North Dakota and CC are vying for a top-five WCHA finish that guarantees home-ice advantage for the first round of the league playoffs. The Pioneers (27 points) lead the Sioux and Tigers by one point.

Footnote
DU senior wing J.D. Corbin will play tonight after missing 30 games with leg and ankle injuries. The Littleton native has been practicing on a line with freshmen Brian Gifford and Rhett Rakhshani. Corbin's return marks the first time this season DU will have its entire roster available.