DENVER — The postseason is still six weeks away, but we’re getting closer and closer, and games are going to get tighter and tighter.
UMD’s 9-1 non-conference record has it still in a very good position to return to the NCAA Tournament, despite losing three of its last four games. Scott Sandelin seemed encouraged by his team’s play in a 4-3 overtime loss to Western Michigan on Saturday night, but the result wasn’t what anyone in maroon and gold wanted.
Sandelin and crew will continue looking for more consistent defensive play from their team, starting with an always-explosive Denver team here. The Bulldogs are also looking for better goaltending, whether it be from Adam Gajan or Ethan Dahlmeir. In UMD’s first 19 games, the duo combined for a .927 save percentage. In the seven games since, going back to Dec. 13, the number drops to .845.
It’s not all on them, but a lot of pucks that were getting stopped early in the season are finding their way through now, for whatever reason. The quality of chances conceded by UMD has also been less consistent than it was, evidence it isn’t all about the guy between the pipes. As with a lot of things, it’s a combination of factors, but the Bulldogs would love to find some answers.
Gajan’s last weekend before he leaves for the Olympics, so hopefully he goes out in good form. He’ll get the first crack at the net this weekend. Couple changes for UMD up front, as the Bulldogs try to find the right combination with their secondary lines. Denver freshman goalie Quentin Miller, who started 25 of DU’s first 27 games, suffered a lower-body injury in the first period Saturday against St. Cloud State, replaced by classmate Johnny Hicks. Miller is not dressed for this game, and Hicks will start for the first time at this level.
Lines?
Lines.
UMD forwards
Plante (Max) – Plante (Zam) – Shaugabay
Anderson – Arnott – Bentz
Zaremba – Gaffney – Truman
Shlaine – Kovich – Bechen
UMD defense
Hanson – Kleber
Pionk – Pierce
Cleveland – Siepmann
Bodnarchuk
UMD goalies
Gajan – Dahlmeir – Sheffield
Denver forwards
Chyzowski – Salminen – Reeder
Harris – Caswell – Epperson
Varkonyi – Cebrian – Lorenz
Milburn – Fisher – Burrows
Denver defense
Buckberger – Anderson
Jamieson – Pohlkamp
Ashcroft – Brown
Pitner
Denver goalies
Hicks – Geisel
Comments