Sam Brittain’s injury and what it means for the WCHA race

DU Sophomore to be goalie Sam Brittain’s season is in doubt after it was discovered that he has a torn ACL. To get the craziest part of the article out of the way early:

"According to DU spokesman Erich Bacher, Brittain injured the knee in the second or third period of a 3-2 double overtime loss to the Sioux. He finished that game and also played in the two ensuing NCAA Tournament games March 25 and March 27 against Western Michigan and North Dakota."

Brittain gave up 2 goals in a double OT win over Western Michigan and then 6 in Denver’s season ending loss to the Sioux. I can’t even fathom walking on a torn ACL, nevermind playing goalie on one, so anyone worried about the 6 spot given up in that game should immediately have his or her fears lessened (not to mention it was against North Dakota).

But if Brittain misses the season, what will it mean for the WCHA race? Last year he was second in the league with a .921 save percentage, and 2nd in conference play with a .920 mark in league games. Presumptive starter Adam Murray had just a .879 save percentage last year and was .874 the year before as a Freshman (though that was in just 8 games).

Still, goalie play is more variable than any other position on the ice, and I am not convinced you need a top tier goalie to win a national title. Take last year’s champs, Minnesota-Duluth. Kenny Reiter was 5th in the conference and 29th nationally in save percentage, yet went on a 4 game hot streak and Duluth won a national title.

That’s not to suggest that Brittain’s play between the pipes isn’t important, and I think he’s the best returning goalie in the league, but I still have Denver as the favorites in the WCHA.