Michael Gvozden?s low point occurred on April 5. On that day, the Johns Hopkins sophomore goalie allowed 16 goals as the defending national champions got steamrolled by Duke, 17-6, to extend their losing streak to five games ? the longest single-season string of futility in the Blue Jays? 125-year history.
“After that game, we just had to make sure not to listen to any of the doubters or comments and just pay attention to our coaches,” said Gvozden, a former Severna Park standout. “We knew we had a lot of growing up to do.”
And that?s exactly what the Blue Jays ? and specifically Gvozden ? have done. Fifth-seeded Johns Hopkins (10-5) has won seven straight entering this afternoon?s Final Four game against the top-seeded Blue Devils (18-1) in Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.
Gvozden has been spectacular during the Blue Jays? run, making 81 saves and allowing just 31 goals after giving up 57 goals in losses to Syracuse, Virginia, North Carolina and Duke preceding the streak.
Gvozden is 14th nationally in goals against average (7.71) and ninth in save percentage (5.91), as he?s backed a defense that has allowed seven or fewer goals in each of the past seven games ? a feat the team hasn?t accomplished since 1967.
“It takes time to adjust to a new role,” Johns Hopkins coach Dave Pietramala said. “You?ve got to remember that everything Mike did this season was his first. Against Albany, he had his first start. Against Princeton, he played in his first Face-Off Classic. Against Hofstra, he started his first playoff game. He?s getting better every week.”
But Gvozden will have to be at his best this weekend. During Johns Hopkins? title runs in 2005 and last season, it received stellar play from senior Jesse Schwartzman, who was named the NCAA Tournament?s Most Outstanding Player the past two times the Blue Jays claimed the championship.
“Jesse developed into a big-game goalie for us and was our defensive leader for three years,” said Johns Hopkins junior defender Michael Evans. “Jesse was our voice and Mike had to step in and pick up where Jesse left off. As the season has gone on, Mike has shown more confidence and we have gained more confidence in him. It did take some time to get used to him because Jesse had such a loud voice and Mike is just a nice, quiet kid.”
Gvozden said this whole season has been a learning process for him and he doesn?t expect Duke to be able to score on him as easily this time around.
“Coach Pietramala won?t ever let me get a big head,” he said. “During the week, he will ride me about everything, even when I do something right. But come Friday and Saturday he?ll joke around with me and help me stay relaxed. He knows exactly what to do to get me and the team ready for a game.”
