1. Mixing things up: The line combination of center Teddy Blueger and wings Jean-Paul LaFontaine and Zach Lehrke played Friday like a a group that had been skating together since early October, teaming up for the first two goals of the game. The reality is: LaFontaine was moved from center to wing on that line this week, and Lehrke was playing in his third game since returning to club. They were listed as the top group on the line chart, and they played like it. Lehrke, who had a goal and an assist, now has four power-play assists in three games. With his return the Mavs already have doubled the power-play production of their first 10 games.
2. Not the Seawolves of old: The Mavericks controlled the early pace, thanks to the group mentioned above, but the second period became a good, old-fashioned, grind-it-out affair. It was fast and physical after Anchorage tied things up. New coach Matt Thomas has that team playing well, and, not unlike MSU last year with its first-year coach, he's had the help of a few wily veterans, including Matt Bailey, who scored his eighth goal of the season, as well as sophomore Blake Tatchell and junior Brett Cameron, who also had a goal. There are good hockey teams in the new WCHA, even if they don't have the name recognition of the power conferences.
3. They'll take the bounce: It's good to hear a coach or a player talk about a bounce going his way and not just talk about their luck on a bad bounce. Freshman defenseman Sean Flanagan scored the game-winning goal on a shot near the boards in the high zone. The puck deflected off a defender and fluttered in behind unsuspecting goaltender Rob Gunderson. The game was tied 2-2 at the time of the goal, which came at 3:10 of the third period. "You look at college hockey today," coach Mike Hastings said, "it's hard to win. You've got to pay a significant price. We got a bounce late. At least we were in position to take advantage of it." From there, MSU held on for the win. Cole Huggins stopped 21 shots for the win.
Deep thought: Did you notice something on one of the MSU uniforms tonight? Chase Grant was wearing an A on his sweater. The junior forward has been made an alternate captain. The Mavericks have been down that extra A since Josh Nelson went out.
Around the WCHA: Ferris State 4, Northern Michigan 1 ... Lake Superior 4, Bowling Green 3 ... Notre Dame 5, Alabama Huntsville 2 ... Bemidji State 4, Miami 4 (OT) ... Michigan Tech 3, Alaska 2
"You look at college hockey today," Hastings said, " it's hard to win. You've got to pay a significant price. We got a bounce late. At least we were in position to take advantage of it."
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