The performance discrepancies in two weekend exhibition games for the University of Denver’s two young goalies were significant. Sophomore Adam Murray was terrific in Saturday’s 8-1 victory over the U.S. 18-under team while freshman Sam Brittain struggled in Sunday’s 5-2 loss against the University of Lethbridge.
Murray, who is scheduled to start in Friday’s season opener at Vermont, made 29 saves Saturday and was perfect through two periods. Brittain allowed three goals on the first six shots he faced, and four of his first 12.
Still, the platoon is the plan for this weekend’s two-game series against the Catamounts.
“Doesn’t change anything,” DU coach George Gwozdecky said about his plan to platoon through at least the first quarter of the season. “I’m not trying to protect Sam; I thought Sam made some good saves and I think there were some (shots) he’d like to have back.
“My biggest concern is how we play in front of our goaltenders. I thought we played much better in building a lead for Adam in eliminating a lot of tough saves, and we did the exact opposite tonight.”
DU outshot Lethbridge 26-13 after two periods and 36-22 for the game. The Pronghorns went 2-of-5 on the power play.
“Nerves were definitely huge but towards the end of the third, I felt a little better, but it was still a struggle,” Brittain said. “I have some things to work on, (beginning) with relaxing and settling down and getting used to the pace of play.”
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
