The Pioneers couldn’t complete the comeback.

No. 5-ranked Denver (17-6-0, 6-5-0 NCHC) lost 4-3 at Minnesota Duluth. The Pioneers scored two goals in the third period to pull within a goal but could not finish.

Denver had 45 shots on goal, including 15 in the final period. The Pioneers’ Aidan Thompson had a game-tying chance stopped by Bulldogs goalie Klayton Knapp with 5 seconds left.

Minnesota Duluth opened the scoring with a power-play goal by Adam Pionk late in the first period. Denver came back and tied the score early in the second period by Sam Harris.

The game turned in the wrong for the Pios after that.

Goals by Max Plante, Kyle Bettens, and Anthony Menghini for the Bulldogs extended the lead to 4-1. The Pioneers tried to rally with goals by Jack Devine and Jared Wright, but it wasn’t enough.

Freddie Halyk started in net for Denver and made 26 saves in the loss. 

The Pioneers face off with the Bulldogs again Saturday. Puck drop is set for 5 p.m. and will be televised by KWGN.

Hobey nominees

The Pioneers have three players nominated for this year’s Hobey Baker Award as Devine, Thompson and sophomore defenseman Zeev Buium are up for the honor as the top player in college hockey. The Pioneers are one of 14 programs with three nominees.