Mavericks 3, Beavers 0

Freddy's three thoughts of the game ...

1. Three in a row: You have to go back two years to find the last time the Mavericks won three games in a row. And you have to go back three years to find the last time all of those wins came in WCHA play. Is the tide turning in Mankato? Minnesota State made it three straight with the shutout win over the Beavers ad improved their record to 6-5-2 overall and 4-5-0 in league play. All in all, it's been a strong month of hockey for MSU with the split against Minnesota and two solid games (albiet losses) against Denver, both ranked No. 2 at the time, before starting this run.

2. Same old, same old: Your best players have to be the ones who are there consistently, and the Mavericks are getting that consistent play from Matt Leitner and Eriah Hayes. Leitner assisted on two goals, upping his season point total to 17 (3-14) in 13 games, while Hayes was a beast with six shots on net and a highlight-reel, backwards, between-the-legs pass to Zach Lehrke for the game's second goal. Leitner assisted on that goal as well as on the game's first goal by freshman Dylan Margonari. Lehrke said it's "an honor" to play with Leitner. Lehrke also had a two-point night.

3. Willy won't go home: Stephon Williams stopped 20 shots for his first career shutout and has started four games in a row now, winning the last three. He didn't have to do a lot back there, as the Mavericks seemed to dominate in-zone possession and was also strong defensively. Still, Williams came up bigh when he had to, including a nice save on a back-door play during the Beavers' lone power play early in the third period. He also had to be solid because BSU's Mathieu Dugas was good at the other end, finishing with 37 saves, including 16 on 17 shots in the first period.

Deep thought: Remember the Mavericks' penalty problems? They sure were disciplined on Friday, getting called for just one penalty — Max Gaede's interference infraction in the third period.

Read the game story here.

Around the WCHA: Minnesota Duluth 7, Michigan Tech 3. ... Nebraska Omaha 3, Minnesota 2 ... Colorado College 5, North Dakota 3 ... Wisconsin 1, Denver 1 (OT) ... St. Cloud State 4, Alaska Anchorage 3 (OT)