DENVER - Freshman Carl Nielsen scored his first career goal but Michigan Tech fell 2-1 to No. 1 Denver in the first game of the WCHA Playoffs at Magness Arena Friday (March 12).

DU opened the game with a quick goal by junior Jesse Martin 37 seconds into the game. Junior Anthony Maiani sent a cross ice pass to Martin who beat sophomore netminder Josh Robinson with a high wrist shot.

"Giving up a goal on your first shift is not how you want to start a playoff series," said head coach Jamie Russell. "We got our feet under us and we calmed things down. We played a good defensive game and our penalty kill was outstanding."

Nielsen tied the game up after sending a back handed shot from the blue line past junior Marc Cheverie who lost sight of the puck. Freshmen Aaron Pietila and sophomore Alex MacLeod each tallied an assist on the goal at 15:31 of the first period.

Senior Brian Gifford scored the second Pioneer goal off a one-timer at 15:45 of the second period. A pair of freshmen, Drew Shore and Chris Knowlton, each tallied an assist on the goal.

The Huskies had two great chances to tie the game late in the third period. Tech had a series of shots on Cheverie from right in front of the net with three minutes remaining in the period. Tech also sent a shot on net with time expiring that was turned away by sophomore defensemen John Ryder.

Tech finished 0-2 on the powerplay and Denver was 0-4 on the night.

Cheverie (23-4-3) finished with 19 saves and Robinson (1-11-0) made 38.

The two teams will face-off again Saturday (March 12) in the second game of the WCHA Playoffs.