ORONO -- It would seem that Scott Darling has emerged as the UMaine hockey team's No. 1 goalie.

Although Darling has been told he won't start tonight in the first game of a weekend series against Merrimack at Alfond Arena, the freshman from Lemont, Ill., has been one of the key figures in Maine's five-game winning streak.

"I'm playing Saturday this week," Darling said earlier in the week. "Dave (Wilson) will start (tonight), and that's the plan."

Darling, who has started Maine's last four games, is 5-1 with two shutouts and is third in the nation in save percentage (.961) and goals-against average (1.00).

In two games last weekend against Providence, Darling stopped 59 of 61 shots, including 24 in a 2-0 shutout on Saturday.

"He's certainly elevated his play," Maine coach Tim Whitehead said. "But at the same time it's important that Dave Wilson needs -- to continue to play and to develop, for our team. People have to remember Scott's a freshman and it's not always going to be smooth sailing. So there could be some bumps in the road, but we're certainly pleased with his progress.

"The big thing is his composure, his poise under pressure, the control of his body and in making the first save. He's been able to keep a balance in scramble situations pretty well, second- and third-shot situations. And as a result, he's getting great results."

Darling credits his early success to technical improvements and his willingness to adjust to the college game.

"Goaltending, you're always learning," said Darling, a sixth-round draft choice of the Phoenix Coyotes in 2007. "Everything's one step quicker in college, and the guys see the ice just a little bit better. I'm just trying to do that myself. I'm trying to work on everything. I'm trying to fine-tune everything."

Darling's play has helped bolster the Black Bears (6-3, 3-2 Hockey East).

"Some of the saves he's made are really timely," forward Chris Hahn said. "Getting down early in a game is something that's gonna kill us, and Scott's been really good in first periods when we have come out flat. When we've given up late chances, he's just been solid all around."

It's not uncommon for a freshman goalie to make an impact. Last season, for example, John Muse helped Boston College win the national title.

"It's unusual to have this consistent a start," Whitehead said of Darling. "But it's not unusual these days for elite goalies to sign early out of college and leave opportunities for freshmen, (opportunities) that might not have been there in years past."

Whitehead, however, cautions against any outrageous expectations.

"The typical freshman goalie needs some time to adjust," Whitehead said. "But Scott's adjusted well. Dave's helped him a lot and he's adjusted well. He doesn't have a false impression of himself and he knows he has a lot to learn. As a result, he's really improving."