Would you like some power-play time? It’s there for the taking.

How about crucial minutes in close games? They’re there, too.

Denver finds itself in an interesting situation entering the 2018-19 season, which begins for real Friday night at Air Force. The Pioneers lost 52 percent of their goals, almost 55 percent of their points and almost 58 percent of their power-play goals due to NHL defections and graduations. Compounding this, they have 20 minutes of NCAA goaltending experience returning.

So is there room for players to emerge? You’d better believe it. As we continue our season preview series, here are some candidates to break through at every level.

2018-19 SEASON PREVIEW SERIES

Part 1: Breaking down Denver’s schedule

Part 2: Denver’s roster by the numbers

Part 3: Indispensable players for the Pioneers

Forward backfilling

A big portion of the Pioneers’ offense (60 of the 70 goals and 170 of the 200 points) that left was at the forward positions. Fortunately for DU, they also brought in as many as five freshmen who could  play regularly here. Four of them stood out during the exhibition against Alberta last Saturday, particularly Emilio Pettersen and Cole Guttman, who had three points apiece.

But the ranks of the returning Pioneers also include some intriguing players who could take the proverbial next step this season. And one of the surer bets for that plays wing on what could be the second line this season.

Sophomore Ryan Barrow actually played in 39 of the Pioneers’ 41 games, getting nine points, most of them down the stretch when he and center Kohen Olischefski got more playing time.

Barrow is a bigger winger (6-foot-2) who skates well. That combination is attractive to the next level, and it no doubt played a role in his participation in the Washington Capitals’ prospect camp over the summer.

“He and Kohen played well together, and they grew a lot in the second half of last year,” Pioneers assistant coach Tavis MacMillan said. “Ryan started to get more and more ice time because Monty trusted him a lot at end of last season.”

Former coach Jim Montgomery’s trust was no doubt earned by how the hard-working Barrow went about his business.

“When it comes to playing hard hockey, hard spots, he really excels,” MacMillan said. “That doesn’t mean hitting. He readily takes punishment. Ryan has no problem being first on the pucks, getting to pucks in space. He’s a consummate team player. He can shoot a puck, he can skate. There are similarities to Logan (O’Connor) in regards to his size, length, reach, speed, ability to pressure puck. Once he finds his finishing touch, look out.”

His center, Olischefski, also figures to thrive in an expanded role. The sophomore attended the San Jose Sharks’ prospect camp over the summer after finishing last season on DU’s second power play. Like Barrow, he’s an explosive player, and he’s a center who’s equally as adept at shooting as he is passing. It would not be a surprise to see both players exceed 25 points this season.

Getting defensive

The shutdown defenders on DU’s top three pairs all graduated (Tariq Hammond and Adam Plant) or signed with an NHL team (Blake Hillman). If there is one glaring need on the back end, it’s for someone or someones to step in. Junior Michael Davies undoubtedly will be one of those, but he’s more in the Plant mode (5-8, fast, tough, cerebral).

When it comes to heft and power, sophomore Griffin Mendel appears primed to take on the role that Hammond and Hillman carried out so well the past few seasons.

“He is much quicker, much more confident in his ability,” MacMillan said. “He can get to the places he needs to on time or ahead of time. He’s going to turn NHL eyes this year. He’s starting to grow into his body. Matt Shaw has transformed his body to a much better place.

“Griffin has a great defensive stick, and a great mind defensively. He’s poised to have a big year for DU and for himself.”

At 6-foot-4 and nearly 220 pounds expect Mendel, who played in 33 of 41 games a season ago, to make quite an impression on foes this season.

What about in net?

This is a fluid situation because of the lower-body injury sustained recently by freshman Filip Larsson, who had been projected to be the starter for DU. Now that task rests with sophomore Devin Cooley, who played just over 20 minutes last season.

“He’s a big goalie so he takes up a lot of the net,” junior assistant captain Tyson McLellan said of the 6-4 Cooley. “He’s quick side to side, he reads the play well and he finds his angles well. He’s got a great opportunity ahead of him, and we’re all pushing for him.”

Cooley played well in his two periods of action on Saturday night against Alberta, making some show-stopping saves through traffic and at point-blank range. Of the three goals scored against him, two came off rebounds that Alberta players reached first and the third came after a cross-crease pass that he had no chance on.

How well he and Larsson, when he returns, emerge will have plenty to say about how far Denver goes in its 70th season of NCAA hockey.

©First Line Editorial 2017-18