Mavericks 4, Chargers 0

Freddy's three thoughts of the game ...

1. Starting strong: The Mavericks wanted a good start to Friday's game, and not just because Huntsville's buses arrived in Mankato 2 1/2 hours before game time. Coach Mike Hastings talked about falling behind twice last weekend to Bemidji State and didn't want that to happen again at home. The Mavericks came out flying, outshooting the Chargers 19-5 and scoring three goal — an even-strength goal, a short-hander and a power-play goal.

2. Offensive defensemen: Defensemen scored two of the Mavericks' four goals. Zach Palmquist slipped down low on the weak side to punch in a nice pass from Michael Huntebrinker, and Sean Flanagan scored the power-play goal on a blast from the blue line in the middle of the rink. Palmquist finished with a goal and an assist, and Hastings said he had a special night. His scoring may be down a bit from last year, but he said, "To be a plus player for me is the most important part, being defensively sound."

3. Twice for Bryce: Bryce Gervais scored two goals for the Mavericks and now has nine for the season. He finds ways to get open and makes sure to let everyone in the rink know about it. Matt Leitner found him for the short-handed goal that made it 2-0, and Palmquist made a nice pass up the middle of the rink to him for a mini-breakaway on the power play in the third period. "Those guys delivered it right on the tape, and he finished" Hastings said. "I think it it's a great example of if you want it, you call for it and guys will find you."

Read more in my game story here.

Around the WCHA: Alaska 7, Michigan Tech 3 ... Lake Superior 5, Northern Michigan 3 ... Ferris State 4, Bemidji State 1 ... Bowling Green at Alaska Anchorage (late)