Marc Cheverie of Denver is one of the best goalies in the nation. His coach George Gwozdecky said so after DU's 3-0 victory over the Gophers.

And Gwozdecky is a pretty smart coach. He has 499 career victories.

Coach Don Lucia does not want to see him celebrate No. 500 at the Maroosh on Saturday night. Whether or not Gwozdecky depends a lot on who he plays in goal the second game. He is still undecided between Cheverie and freshman Adam Murray.

Looking at it short-term, it should be an easy decision. Chevy, of course. The kid has strung together goose eggs for seven periods. But it's a six-month season and, if you look at the WCHA as a marathon, maybe playing Murray makes some sense. Get him used to playing in a tough WCHA arena. Maybe.

I expect the Gophers to bounce back strong as they did at Grand Forks last weekend. One concern is Jay Barriball. Coach Lucia said he injured a muscle and his status is uncertain for the second game.

Lucia also has a decision to make in the nets. Alex Kangas played well enough again but the coach has promised Kent Patterson more of a chance to play early. So I expect Patterson will start.
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Senior forward Mike Carman, who played center at the U's top line, admitted the Gophers are pressing a little bit to score goals. But this is a veteran team, with 81 percent of its scoring back from last season. The outburst should come soon. Maybe tonight.

Especially is Gwozdecky switches from Chevy to Murray. Gophers co-captain Ryan Flynn said it makes no difference who plays goalie. He is supposed to say that. It's the hockey macho line. I think it could make a huge difference. Often a struggling team just needs that one goal to break out.