Small sheet continues to slow CC power play

Colorado College’s power-play struggles continued on NHL-sized ice Saturday.

Rylan Schwartz’s power-play goal averted the shutout in the 4-1 loss at Minnesota-Duluth and ended an 0-for-17 power-play skid dating back to the Maine loss. CC has gone four-for-37 in its last seven games.

The low point may have been when CC couldn’t generate a shot during its second and third power plays Saturday.

The tighter space on NHL-sized sheets compared to World Arena doesn’t giving the Tigers enough room to make the extra pass they’re looking to make to the open man.

“They’re stepping up against the (CC) defenders and putting pressure on them,” captain Mike Testwuide said. “They had a good system against us.”

“We need to shoot more,” Tigers coach Scott Owens said. “It’s been out of whack for awhile.”

That suggests potential trouble for the Tigers’ once potent special teams since they will play on NHL-sized sheets this postseason. The good news for Tigers fans is CC plays nine of its final 14 regular-season games at World Arena.

Testwuide continues to garner attention

Testwuide’s career-high 12 goals by the midway point of the season has grabbed the attention of pro scouts, especially with many of the top players in the WCHA already drafted.

Testwuide was getting a hard look from the Anaheim Ducks both nights.