Mavericks 2, Lakers 1

Freddy's three thoughts from afar ...

1. Bounce back: The Mavericks split their third series in a row, but it was the first time in which they needed to win the second game to get out of the weekend wth points. "That, to me, could be defined as a character win," coach Mike Hastings said in a phone interview afterward. "Our mental toughness was a lot more evident." Hastings said his team went away too easily on Friday after giving up a couple of quick goals, but it responded on Saturday, playing a physical style seldom shown so far this season. "I thought we were harder than we've bee in our last four games," Hastings said. "We were more physical; we have to make that a staple of our team."

2. Isn't that special? All three goals were scored on special teams with the Mavericks going 1 for 4 on the power play. Brad McClure scored on the power play for the game's first goal, which came in the final minute of the first period. Jordan Nelson gave MSU a 2-0 lead with a short-handed goal, the Mavericks' second shorty of the weekend. Lake Superior State was 1 for 6 on the power play. McClure now leads MSU with five goals. His goal snapped an 0 for 15 slump on the power play. Marc Michaelis assisted on the goal and now has a team-leading 12 points.

3. Goalie change: After relieving Cole Huggins, who struggled in giving up the Lakers first three goals on Friday, Jason Pawloski got the start on Saturday. It was his second start of the season and his first win. Pawloski stopped 19 of 20 shots, including all 12 he faced in the third period. "They're a good hockey team," Hastings said of the 6-2-0 Lakers. "But I thought we deserved tonight's game. I'm happy for our guys. I thought they stuck together. That was a real important road win."

Around the WCHA: Michigan 5, Michigan State 1 ... Ferris State 3, Bowling Green 1 ... Wisconsin 2, Northern Michigan 0 ... Alabama Huntsville 3, Alaska Anchorage 2 (OT) ... Bemidji State 3, Alaska 1