Air Force plays host to its neighbor to the north, No. 2 Denver, tonight at 7:35 p.m. Here are some things we’re watching for:

Putting the D in DU

Can the Pioneers and junior goalie Tanner Jaillet keep their string of allowing just one or two goals per game going? It’s at nine and counting. Air Force averages more than three goals per game.

Masked men

Speaking of goalies, will the Falcons go back to sophomore Shane Starrett or give Billy Christopoulos another start? Starrett gave up four goals in the first period at Western Michigan last Friday night and sat the rest of the weekend. Christopoulos allowed four goals over the next five periods.

Getting an early jump

Playing the second-ranked team in the nation no doubt will add further incentive for the Falcons, who already possess victories over top-15 residents Boston College and Ohio State. Every week a different line or defenseman has stepped up for Air Force, who will it be this week? Meanwhile, can the Pioneers get their offense on track? If they can, and if they get it going early, their chances of victory go way up given how well the defense is playing.

Follow @MagnessMayhem for in-game updates and post game coverage