After an iffy first period, the Pioneers would find their wheels in the second period to equalize the game when Kevin Conley would find the back of the net. The Pioneers would then score two more goals in the span of 20-seconds when Logan O'Connor and Troy Terry would each respectively find the back of the net. The Pioneers would find their insurance marker early on in the third period when Jarid Lukosevicius would find the back of the net with a nice one-timer from the slot that would rip past the Minnesota Duluth keeper.
The Bulldogs would put pressure on in the final two minutes, but the Pioneers would ultimately hold them off to secure the victory, and take over the number one spot in the NCHC. The Pioneers and the Bulldogs will be right back at it tonight in the weekend finale, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m.
Will Butcher would ultimately go scoreless throughout the game, but he played fairly well. He was key in a number of situations that could have ended up poorly for the Pioneers, one of the occurrences was when he would ultimately beat a Bulldog to the puck, and then successfully turn right past him. Most players would possibly lose the puck if they tried this, but Butcher did it with so much fitnesse and fluidity that there was no doubt in sight.
As far as I can tell ( and not being able to have the box score in front of me), Butcher was not on the ice when any of the Bulldogs goals were scored. Through what I have seen of him during his senior year thus far, Avalanche fans have a good reason to be excited to see him in training camp next season. As someone who is a huge fan of his, I personally see him cracking the main roster and giving the Avs some much needed defensive help.