The “D” in Denver hockey is in need of some repairs.
Two games, 10 goals allowed. The numbers aren’t representative of the NCAA’s top-ranked team.
After allowing four goals in Friday’s season-opening comeback victory over Vermont, the University of Denver surrendered six in Saturday’s series finale as the Catamounts salvaged a split over the Pioneers.
No. 14 Vermont won 6-4 at Magness Arena by turning the college debut of freshman goalie Adam Murray into a nightmare. But DU’s entire defensive personnel probably didn’t sleep well.
Murray, 18, allowed six goals on 30 shots. He has plenty of time to improve, and he’ll probably spend most of this season as the backup to junior Marc Cheverie, but DU needs a quick fix on limiting the opponents’ chances.
The Pioneers’ three freshmen defensemen can’t take all the blame, although two Vermont goals were the result of breakdowns by youngsters Matt Donovan and William Wrenn. Donovan was burned down the right wing for a goal, and Wrenn’s hook on a breakaway led to a penalty-shot goal and a 3-2 Vermont lead.
The Catamounts broke a 3-3 tie late in the second period and made it 5-3 early in the third. Both goals were blamed on defensive miscues.
“No question, our defensive corps really, really struggled,” DU coach George Gwozdecky said. “The second period alone we gave up five 2-on-1s. I feel bad for Adam Murray. You hate to put him in that position, where guys are continually breaking down in front of him.”
Gwozdecky has options. Third-year sophomore John Ryder was the seventh defenseman Friday and scratched Saturday. Junior Chris Nutini was scratched both games. The Colorado natives have the immediate ability to plug holes.
“We do have great depth,” Gwozdecky said. “No question, you want to be able to throw the younger guys into the fire right away and see what they can do, what they need to work on. We found that out pretty evidently this weekend, and we go back to the drawing board Monday with everybody.”
Vermont 2 2 2 — 6
Denver 2 1 1 — 4
First period — 1, Denver, Ruegsegger 1 (Shore, Wrenn), 5:55. 2, Vermont, Irwin 1, 7:29. 3, Denver, Ruegsegger 2 (Martin, Rakh- shani), 14:11. 4, Vermont, Downing 2 (MacKenzie), 17:49 (pp). Penalties — MacKenzie, UV (holding), 3:51; Downing, UV (roughing), 15:15; Rakhshani, DU (interference), 17:21.
Second period — 5, Vermont, Vock 1 (penalty shot), 5:31. 6, Denver, Martin 1 (Rakhshani, Lee), 8:03. 7, Vermont, Irwin 1 (Miller), 15:46. Penalties — Wrenn, DU (hooking), 5:31; Irwin, UV (tripping), 13:28.
Third period — 8, Vermont, Higgins 1 (Albertson, Cullity), 3:02. 9, Denver, S. Ostrow 1 (Phillips), 5:14. 10, Vermont, Roloff 1 (Marshall, Franzon), 6:52. Penalties — None.
Shots on goal — UV 12-8-10—30. DU 15-9-10—34. Power play opportunities — UV 1 of 1. DU 0 of 3. Goalies — UV, Madore (1-1) 34 shots-30 saves. DU, Murray (0-1) 30-24. A — 5,358.
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
The Post’s three stars
1. Brayden Irwin.
Vermont center had two goals after being ejected Friday for checking from behind.
2. Jonathan Higgins.
Had the game-winning goal early in the third period.
3. Tyler Ruegsegger.
Senior center had two goals for the Pioneers.
What you might have missed
During the delayed DU hooking infraction that led to Colin Vock’s penalty-shot goal and a 3-2 Vermont lead, Cats defenseman Patrick Cullity drove to the net and knocked goalie Adam Murray to the ice with an elbow to the head. The officials missed it.
Up next
Thursday-Friday at Ohio State
Mike Chambers, The Denver Post
