Mavericks 4, Bulldogs 2

Clint Austin/Duluth News-Tribune

Freddy's three thoughts of the game ...

1. Purple Hayes: Minnesota State senior forward and co-captain Eriah Hayes said this week that he needed to get his game going, and he did that in a big way on Friday night with a goal, two assists and just an all-around dominant effort against the Bulldogs, a team MSU hasn't beaten in Duluth since Jan. 28, 2006. Coach Mike Hastings said last week's break came at a good time and that Hayes used the time off well. His center, freshman, Teddy Blueger, also had a goal and two assists. "You need your best players to be your best players," Hastings said.

2. Third period's a charm: The Mavericks trailed 2-1 after two period and dominated the final period. They outshot the Bulldogs 22-7 and scored three goals, one from Zach Lehrke, one from Blueger and one from Hayes. It was the second game in a row that Duluth had a lead in the third period, only to give up three goals. Denver did it last week in a span of about 90 seconds. MSU took a little more time and killed off a key penalty midway through the period when they held a slim 3-2 lead. The Mavericks have scored 89 goals this season; 36 have come in the third period (40%).

3. Freshmen come through: Rookie Dylan Margonari, who started the season hot, scored the game's first goal. It was his first in 11 games. He now has six goals and seven assists. Blueger's three-point game gives him 16 (4, 12) for his first college season season. Jon Jutzi, Bryce Gervais and Brett Knowles each had an assist, and goaltender Stephon Williams stopped 26 of 28 shots, including 12 of 13 in the second period and six on the penalty kill, for his 14th win of the season.

Deep thought: Two of MSU's goals went to video review and were confirmed as goals. After what happened against Wisconsin and Minnesota, the Mavericks had to hope their replay luck would change. It did, however, each review seemed to take three minutes or more. Is there not a time limit to making a decision? Hayes said his goal did go in off his skates as he stopped behind the goalie, but he didn't kick in the puck.

Read my Free Press game story here and the Duluth News-Tribune account here.

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

WCHA standings
1. St. Cloud State (29 points)

2. Nebraska Omaha (26)

    Minnesota (26)

    North Dakota (26)

5. Denver (25)

6. Minnesota State (23)

    Wisconsin (23)

8. Minnesota Duluth (19)

9. Colorado College (18)

10. Michigan Tech (14)

11. Bemidji State (13)

12. Alaska Anchorage (10)