MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - Freshman goaltender Sam Brittain (Calgary, Alberta) tied a career-high with 36 saves and Minnesota Wild draftee Jason Zucker (Las Vegas) tallied the game-winner as No. 4 Denver defeated Minnesota, 2-1, in WCHA action tonight before 9,711 fans at Mariucci Arena.

Zucker added an assist and David Makowski (Wildwood, Mo.) contributed two helpers as the Pioneers (18-6-5, 14-4-3 WCHA) remain first in the WCHA with 31 points. Minnesota falls to 11-12-4, 8-10-3. Denver increased its winning streak against Minnesota to six games with its second straight win.

After a scoreless first period, Erik Haula put the home team on the scoreboard first with a goal from Justin Holl and Jacob Cepis at 10:02 of the second period.

Drew Shore quickly answered with a power-play goal at 12:42 off a tip of a Makowski shot.

Zucker netted the game-winning goal at 4:01 of the third period. The left winger raced down the slot and beat Kent Patterson (28 saves) with a backhander through the five-hole. Makowski earned the lone assist on Zucker's team-leading fourth game-winning goal. Zucker added a team-high seven shots on goal and leads the league with 18 goals in WCHA action.

Denver went 1-for-2 on the power play and held Minnesota scoreless on the man-advantage. Minnesota won the shot battle 37-30.

Game two is set for tomorrow afternoon at 4:07 p.m. MT.

Notes: Senior captain Kyle Ostrow (Calgary, Alberta) missed his first career game after undergoing vascular surgery of the lower abdominal area this afternoon. Ostrow, who has 99 points (50g, 49a) in 150 career games, could return to the Denver lineup on March 4-5 vs. St. Cloud State. Former DU goaltender Chris Olson (1984-87) is serving as one of two assistant referees this weekend. Denver is tied for fourth in the latest PairWise rankings. Zucker extended their point streaks to four games. Drew Shore has a three-game goal streak. The Pioneers are 27-for-27 on the penalty kill over their last six games.