Freddy's three thoughts of the game ...
1. No finish: The Mavericks returned plenty of fire power from last season but were unable to score in their regular-season and home opener. The put 42 shots on net, but it didn't seem like St. Cloud State goalie Jeff Smith had to make too many highlight-reels saves. Maybe one or two, but otherwise he was in good position all night and didn't give up any second or third opportunities. "We have to be harder in front of the net," junior captain Max Coatta said.
2. Silver lining: While the lack of scoring was troublesome, there were a few bright spots, especially the play of sophomore forward Charlie Gerard, who played with great energy and led the Mavericks with eight shots on goal. Two other sophomores stood out, too: forward Parker Tuomie and defenseman Ian Scheid, who had 11 combined shots. Did anyone stand out as much as St. Cloud State defenseman Jimmy Schuldt, though? No. He had the game's first goal and was plus-4.
3. Long lines: It was the season-opener, one of the Mavericks' biggest in-state rivals was in town and there was a Hockey Night in Mankato event until 7 p.m. outside. Add those things to the Verizon Center's new security protocol, and there was a long wait to get into the building. It took half, if not more of the first period for everyone to get in. Fans were venting both online and in the arena. That's something that's going to have to get fixed before the next home games in three weeks, especially if they want to continue to have big crowds.
Read my gamer here.
Around the WCHA: Notre Dame 4, Alabama Huntsville 0 ... Ferris State 3, Western Michigan 2 ... Northern Michigan 4, Lake Superior State 1, Michigan Tech 4, Minnesota Duluth 3 ... North Dakota at Alaska Anchorage (late), Air Force at Alaska (late)
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