Junior center Jesse Martin, who leads the University of Denver in playoff scoring, suffered an undisclosed injury Tuesday in practice and is questionable for Friday’s NCAA Tournament opener against Rochester Institute of Technology.
In four postseason games, Martin leads DU with three goals and five points. Overall, he is fifth on the team with 14 goals, despite previously missing seven games with a separated shoulder.
“We are hoping Jesse is ready for Friday, but right now he is questionable,” DU coach George Gwozdecky said Wednesday through team spokesman Erich Bacher.
Martin centers the second line, which already has been hit with the loss of junior Anthony Maiani. Maiani broke his right index finger Friday and had surgery Tuesday. He will not play at the East Regional this weekend and is doubtful for the Frozen Four if DU advances.
If Martin can’t play Friday, his regular right winger, junior Kyle Ostrow, probably will play with third-line freshmen Drew Shore (center) and Chris Knowlton.
Nutini update.
Junior Chris Nutini, one of DU’s most responsible defensemen, is aiming to return after missing eight games with an ankle injury. He is expected to go through a full workout today in Albany, N.Y. If Nutini plays, DU likely will go back to an 11-forward, seven- defenseman lineup.
Mike Chambers, The Denver Post
