Friday, February 28, 2014

Mavericks 5, Lakers 0

Freddy's three thoughts (from afar) ...

1. Shutting 'em out: Minnesota State scored its third straight shutout in a row for the first time in school history. The Mavericks haven't allowed a goal in 198 minutes, 10 seconds. Cole Huggins got his second straight shutout and the fourth of his rookie season. Huggins didn't see a lot of shots, making just 14 saves, and, coach Mike Hastings said afterward, got some help as the Lakers hit four pipes, by his estimation. The Mavericks dominated puck possession and had 40 shots on net. They've had a 151-41 shot advantage over the last three games.

2. Margo's big night: Sophomore forward Dylan Margonari scored two goals, helping the Mavericks build a 3-0 lead. Both goals came with assists from his linemates, Zach Lehrke (he finished with three assists) and Zach Stepan, a group, Hastings said, that's starting to develop some good chemistry. Margonari's growing more and more comfortable in his role as center. Hastings credited his defense and faceoff efforts against the Lakers. The Mavericks should be encouraged to see some secondary scoring develop, taking some pressure off the top line players.

3. Even up: As I pointed out in Friday morning's Free Press, the Mavericks had been outscored 58-52 in even-strength play this season. Their advantage has been on the power play where they had a 44-17 dominance going into the game. So MSU had to be pleased to score four 5x5 goals against Lake Superior. Max Gaede scored his second goal of the season. Chase Grant also scored. Josh Nelson scored the game's lone power-play goal.

Read some comments from Hastings in the game story.

Around the WCHA: Alabama Huntsville 2, Bemidji State 1 (!!!) ... Northern Michigan 4, Bowling Green 1 ... Alaska 4, Ferris State 1

WCHA standings
1. Ferris State                 38
2. Minnesota State         36
3. Michigan Tech           28
4. Alaska Anchorage     26
    Alaska                        26
6. Bowling Green           24
    Lake Superior             24
8. Northern Michigan     23
9. Bemidji State              22
10. Alabama Huntsville  5

No comments: