Mavericks 5, Falcons 2

Freddy's three thoughts from afar ...

1. Trick is treat: Bryce Gervais recorded his first career hat trick on Friday night to lead the Mavericks to the impressive road victory over Bowling Green. The kid is on fire, and that hot streak goes back to when MSU made its run last year. In his last 15 games (seven this season), he has 14 goals and 20 points. In his last 23 games, he has 18 goals and 27 points. He continued to play on a line with center Teddy Blueger and left wing C.J. Franklin. Franklin, a freshman, assisted on three goals. He now has six points for his young career.

2. Taking over: The first 8 minutes of the game looked to be a back-and-forth, up-and-down-the-ice affair, not unlike MSU's game at Duluth two weeks earlier. Fastest pace of the season, coach Mike Hastings said. Bowling Green struck first, playing as aggressively as Hastings predicted they would. But after a Jean-Paul LaFontaine power-play goal evened the score, MSU really seemed to dominate time of possession and carry the play. In the rare instance that the Mavericks didn't have control, Stephon Williams was there to make a save — including a couple of acrobatic ones — to keep his team in front.

3. Casey at the stick: Sophomore defenseman Casey Nelson continues to improve, especially with his confidence. The brother of former Mav Josh Nelson, Casey had a goal and an assist against the Falcons, which gives him five points, equalling his total from his freshman year He also had three shots on goal, giving him 23 for the season so far, which ranks tied for second on the team. As for other defensemen, Blake Thompson recorded his first assist of the season, and Zach Palmquist had an assist to improve his point total to nine.

Deep though: The Mavericks kept the red-hot Kevin Dufour (eight goals this season) off the board, ending his goal-scoring streak to start the season. Dufour didn't register a shot on goal, either.

Around the WCHA: Michigan Tech 4, Michigan 1 ... Ferris State 1, Michigan State 0 ... Alabama Huntsville 1, Northern Michigan 1 (OT) ... Bemidji State 6, Alaska 1 ... Alaska Anchorage 3, Lake Superior State 2