Irwin to miss Denver series

Mavericks captain Geoff Irwin will miss this weekend's games at No. 2-ranked Denver due to the upper-body injury suffered in Saturday's game against Wisconsin. Irwin, a senior forward, was checked from behind into the boards by Badgers freshman Craig Smith. The penalty was the first of back-to-back five-minute majors by UW that eventually led to MSU's game-winning goal.

Irwin and coach Troy Jutting both said they hope Irwin be able to return for the Colorado College series on Nov. 13-14 in Mankato. The Mavericks have Nov. 6-7 off after the Denver series.

Irwin, Jason Wiley and Brett Peterson did not practice on Monday. Tyler Pitlick, who missed Saturday's game with an injury, was on the ice.

Wisconsin's Smith received a game-disqualification penalty for the hit, meaning he will be suspended for one game.