Freddy's three thoughts from afar ...
1. Surprising result: Tough to beat a team nine times in a row, so the Mavericks' loss at Ferris State on Friday wasn't surprising. What was, however, was the allowing of seven goals (one an empty netter), something MSU hasn't done since playing Wisconsin in the 2013 Final Five. Jason Pawloski allowed two goals on five shots in the first period and got the hook. Cole Huggins didn't fare much better, allowing four goals on 21 shots over the next two periods. When MSU tied the game at 4-all with a pair of goals midway through the third period and seemingly had all the momentum, they didn't get the big save they needed to maintain that. Just as quickly, Ferris State was back up by two.
2. Penalty-plagued: Twenty penalties were called in the game, including nine on the Mavericks. That's too much time in the box, especially on the road. Bulldogs power-play goals gave them leads of 2-1 and 4-2. Ferris State had eight power-play chances in all. A week ago, MSU was disciplined and put Alaska on the power play once — in the entire series. The Mavericks scored two power-plays, too against the Bulldogs, getting goals from C.J. Franklin and Casey Nelson. However, Franklin also had six PIMs. They need him on the ice.
3. Kid friendly: Freshman forward Max Coatta scored his first goal as a Minnesota State player, tying the game at 4-4 at 9:51 of the third period. He finished the game +1 with three shots on goal, playing on the fourth line with fellow rookies Ryan Schwalbe and Steen Cooper. Confidence in defenseman Daniel Brickley's game appears to be growing, too, especially after his struggles in the Mavericks' exhibition game. Ferris State's highly touted freshman, Corey Mackin, finished with two assists. Bulldogs goalie Darren Smith (34 saves) also is a freshman.
Around the WCHA: Lake Superior State 1, Bowling Green 1 (OT) ... Michigan Tech 4, Alabama Huntsville 2 ... Alaska 5, Northern Michigan 2
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