Mavericks 5, Gophers 1

Freddy's three thoughts of the game ...

1. New star emerging: Marc Michaelis had a big night with two goals and two assists, but as the season enters its second month and the Mavericks' identity becomes clearer, some new stars are coming into their own. Junior forward Charlie Gerard had a goal and two assists and is fitting right in on the top line with Michaelis and Parker Tuomie. "He's worked hard for a long time," Michaelis said of Gerard, whose eight points this year are already a career high." As a line, the Mavericks' top group of forwards finished with eight points.

2. Fantastic freshman: Another player starting to emerge is rookie forward Julian Napravnik, who made a great play to start at 2-on-1 and make the assist on Nick Rivera for a goal just 32 seconds into the second periods for a 3-1 lead. The assist gives Napravnik five points in his last four games. "Really, really nice play," coach Mike Hastings said. "To me that play by a young player is pretty special. The thing I like about him is he’ll hold onto pucks. He doesn’t throw them around; he just plays with poise and he skates so well. I think he’s gaining confidence because he definitely has confidence with the puck. He sees the ice. There are guys who like playing with him."

3. Israelsson tested: Hastings said he made the decision to start Mathias Israelsson in goal on Friday morning. It sure looked like the right call. Israelsson made 24 saves for his third straight win. A week ago at home against Alaska he wasn't tested much, facing just six shots on Friday and 14 on Saturday. Against the Gophers he came up huge on the penalty kill, making five impressive saves in all. He stopped 13 saves in all in the second period when Minnesota made a good push while allowing just four shots (one was a goal, though).

Read my game story here.

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