Mavericks 3, Bulldogs 2

The Minnesota State men’s hockey team scored three unanswered goals on Saturday night, to pull off a 3-2 come-from-behind victory over Ferris State and get a series split on the road.

Junior forward C.J. Franklin’s power-play goal with 6:58 remaining in the third period was the game-winner, capping the Mavericks’ rally in Big Rapids, Mich.

One night after getting shut out by the Bulldogs, the Mavericks fell behind 2-0 in the first period.

Their scoreless streak nearly extended to five periods, but Max Coatta made it a 2-1 game with 5:12 remaining in the second period, getting assists from Brad McClure and Ryan Schwalbe.

The Mavericks (10-6-2, 7-5-2 in WCHA) cashed in on two power plays in the third period of the penalty-filled game.

Zeb Knutson tied the game at 3:57 firing a shot between the pads of goalie Darren Smith. Franklin and freshman defenseman Ian Scheid assisted.

Franklin’s winner came on a scramble in front of the goal. Freshman forward Marc Michaelis got his team-leading 13th assist and 22nd point on the play, and defenseman Daniel Brickley also assisted.

The Bulldogs’ goals came from Jared VanWormer and Joe Rutkowski, with the latter coming on the power play.

Smith stopped 35 shots in the loss, including all 16 he faced in the first period. Mavericks goalie Cole Huggins stopped 17 shots.