Mavericks 5, Nanooks 1

Freddy's three thoughts (from afar) ...

1. Wake-up call: If Friday's 5-0 loss didn't jolt the Mavericks, the first few minutes Saturday must have. Just 15 seconds in, Parker Tuomie was called for head contact, getting a 5-minute major and a game misconduct, and the Nanooks scored on the ensuing power play. Minnesota State dominated the game from that point on, though, and got the much-needed series split. Brad McClure, who's struggled to score goals this season, got two in the final 3:41 of the first period to give his team a 3-1 lead.

2. Switcheroo: Not surprisingly, coach Mike Hastings made some lineup changes Saturday night besides starting Connor LaCouvee in goal. Out were Reggie Lutz and Josh French at forward and Jack McNeely at defense. In were Charlie Gerard, Ryan Schwalbe and Edwin Hookenson. Those players, all of whom haven't seen a ton of action, came through. Gerard tied the game 1-1 midway through the first period, and Hookenson assisted on two goals.

3. Power restored: Minnesota State scored three power-play goals in the game after getting shut out on eight chances on Friday. McClure, Marc Michaelis and Daniel Brickley had the man-advantage goals. MSU was 3 for 10 and the Nanooks were 1 for 7 in the penalty-filled game. The teams combined for 30 penalties totaling 87 minutes. Michaelis also had an assist for a two-point game.

Deep thought: Friday's game was hardly ideal, but the Mavericks are going to leave Alaska with 9 of 12 possible points for the WCHA standings. They have some stuff to figure out, but that's not a bad road swing.

Read more here (link includes comments from Hastings)

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