Mavericks 6, Beavers 3

Photo by Pat Christman

Freddy's three thoughts of the game ...

1. They've got a lot of Gerv: Wrote a lot about Bryce Gervais in my game story, but what a roll he's on right now. After scoring two goals and assisting on two others, he's tied for the national lead in goals and points. He's putting himself into scoring spots and, more importantly, finishing when he gets there. On Friday, his goals came key times. The Mavericks were in a bit of trouble after two periods, trailing by a goal and having lost all momentum. Gervais tied the game on the power play less than 3 minutes into the third and added another power-play goal with 5:14 to play to make it 5-3. "He's a goal scorer," said Matt Leitner, who had a three-point game. "He gets in all the right spots. He finds the right places to be." Solid nights, too, from Dylan Margonari (pictured) and Teddy Blueger.

2. Unsung heroes: Senior defenseman Brett Stern scored the game-winning goal, firing in a shot from the left point. From the VWC press area, it appeared that the puck changed direction on goalie Michael Bitzer. It was Stern's first goal of the season and the third of his career. But this thought is also about junior Blake Thompson, who had the first assist on the goal. Thompson appears to be getting more comfortable in his spot. He played in just in nine games before this season and now has a three-game point streak, all assists. He showed some poise under pressure as he found Stern and moved the puck across the top of the zone. "He's keeping the game real simple," coach Mike Hastings said. "He's not trying to do too much." Thompson was +2 with two blocks and a penalty.

3. Surprise in goal: Hastings said he went with Cole Huggins in goal on Friday because the sophomore had a good week of practice and deserved a shot. Certainly, Huggins' resume from last year says enough not to give up on the guy. But he's struggled to start the season, and, after allowing three goals on 11 shots over two periods, he got the hook. Stephon Williams finished up, making just four saves, and got his sixth win of the season. Clearly, the Mavericks are trying to shore up their goaltending, though, because they don't give up a lot of shots (15 to the Beavers). Williams' save percentage is at .908 right now, above the 90% mark that coaches want, but not elite. Five goalies in the WCHA are above 93%, including Northern Michigan's Mathias Dahlstrom at .965 and Michigan Tech's Jamie Phillips at .957 after tonight.

Around the WCHA: Ferris State 1, Northern Michigan 0 (OT) ... Michigan Tech 2, Alaska Anchorage 0 ... Alabama Huntsville 4, Air Force 2 ... Bowling Green 3, Alaska 2