Mavericks swept at Providence

The Mavericks fell back to Earth after being lifted up in the preseason. It's amazing how quickly preseason predictions get tossed by the wayside after the first weekend of the season.

Minnesota State lost 3-0 on Saturday as Providence completed the series sweep. One goal on the weekend and lots and lots of penalty minutes (58 on Saturday, including two majors/game misconducts and a 10-minute misconduct) do not an 11th-ranked team make.

Talking to coach Mike Hastings after the game, he said the Mavericks competed better than they did in the opener and couldn't solve All-American goaltender Jon Gillies early when they had a few power plays of their own. MSU put 20 shots on goal in the first period and 38 for the game and game up empty.

Providence scored three times in the second period, including its first goal just 17 seconds in.

"We need to get better this week," Hastings said. "We need to be a bit more selfless. ... We need to get to work."

Should be an interesting week as the Mavericks gear up for their home opener against UConn.

Read the box score here.