DU’s Brittain is better than 1-1-2 record

The Media and fan bloggers from Denver have been pretty tame this week and haven’t been their usual belligerent selves. Actually, I am a little disappointed so far. I also believe there has been a lot of sand bagging going on as well.

Denver Post --- DU and true freshman goalie Sam Brittain departed for North Dakota this morning and will begin a two-game WCHA series against the Fighting Sioux Friday night in Grand Forks.

Please look for our series advance in Friday’s paper and catch our blogs and game stories throughout the weekend (I’m traveling Friday). Here are some leftover Brittain items and quotes.

In four games against three quality teams — Vermont, Boston College and Wisconsin (two) –Brittain has allowed just seven combined goals. His 1.70 goals-against average and .940 save percentage ranks sixth and seventh nationally among 62 eligible goalies. (By the way, UND’s Brad Eidsness is 62nd in save percentage, at .762.)
Brittain is 1-1-2, and DU has scored just seven goals in those four games.

“Still looking for those wins,” he said. “The ties are alright but the individual numbers don’t really matter. The only numbers that matter are the W’s for the team.”

Two years ago, Brittain says he remembers thinking about the DU-North Dakota rivalry while playing midget triple-A hockey in Calgary.

In looking at the numbers the better goalie for Denver is going to be playing for the Pioneers this weekend, sophomore goalie Adam Murray who is hurt this weekend has also struggled since he got to Denver, and his numbers aren’t all that impressive 1-1-0. 4.50 GAA and Save Percentage of .859, which is still better than Brad Eidsness’ numbers as noted above. If the Fighting Sioux are going to be successful this weekend they have to get back to basics this weekend, the Fighting Sioux need to concentrate on playing solid defense, moving the puck out of the defensive zone and cutting down on turn over’s down low in the defensive zone but also in teh neutral zone as well.

The Sioux also need to get a good cycle going and set up in the offensive zone and put some heavy sustained pressure on the young Denver Pioneer goalie(s). Lastly, the Fighting Sioux that is usually know for its stellar defense needs to limit shots on their goaltending that has been unimpressive and at times shoddy this season.

EDIT: I misspoke seems as if the smack talk has started and you can go here to get into the act.