Rivalry does not even begin to describe the relationship between North Dakota and Denver.

The two teams have clashed so often over the last few years that now the hatred runs deep on both sides.

“It’s a rivalry that goes back years and years. Since I have been here it has been a battle every single game, and this weekend will be no different,” said senior captain Rhett Rakhshani.

Both are coming into the weekend after a disappointing week.

North Dakota played a pair of non-conference games last weekend against Cornell.

The first game was all about senior goaltender Ben Scrivens of Cornell. He made 28 saves on the night, shutting out North Dakota. Cornell was only able to score one goal in the game on 15 shots, but it was enough to win the game.

In the second game, North Dakota was able to solve Scrivens. Junior Brad Malone scored just over a minute and a half into the game. The final ended up 3-1 in North Dakota’s favor.

Denver also struggled in Wisconsin over the weekend.

In the first game, the two teams battled to a 3-3 tie.

DU had a 2-0 lead in the third period, only to see it evaporate in a four minute span. Wisconsin scored three unanswered goals and took a 3-2 lead about half way through the third period.

Junior Anthony Maiani scored with just less than two minutes left in the game to tie it up. Sophomore Joe Colborne and junior Kyle Ostrow also scored on the night.

In overtime, DU dominated the game. However they were unable to score on junior goaltender Scott Gudmandson.

In the second game, the teams found themselves tied in the third period again.

Senior Michael Davies scored a goal for Wisconsin with 6:30 left in the game, and that would stand up as the game winner as the Pioneers lost 4-3.

The loss ended a six-game unbeaten streak (5-0-1) against Wisconsin and was the first time this season that DU has lost a series.

This was also the first time since October 1994 that Wisconsin has beaten DU in a series at home.

Going into the weekend the Pioneers were 13-2-2 at Wisconsin since 1998.

This weekend, both teams come into the game with a lot to play for.

The Pioneers dropped from No. 1 in the national polls to No. 3, while North Dakota moved up one spot to No. 4.

DU is still tied for No. 1 in the PairWise rankings and North Dakota is tied for No. 10. They are also battling atop the conference standings.

Denver is one point behind Minnesota-Duluth for first place, and North Dakota sits five points behind DU in the standings.

It is an important match-up for both teams, as a lot can still change in the national polls and the WCHA standings.