Freddy's three thoughts from afar ...
1. OT winner: Ian Scheid scored the game-winning goal at 3:03 overtime, giving the Mavericks their first win in six overtime games dating back to last season. They defeated Alabama Huntsville 3-2 in OT on Feb. 9, 2018 but then went 0-3-2 in overtime, including two playoff losses last season (Game 3 of the WCHA semifinal series to Michigan Tech and the first round of the NCAA West Regional to Minnesota Duluth). Like it did two weeks ago in Arizona, Minnesota State failed to extend or hold on to a one-goal lead in the third period. But instead of losing or tying like it did in Arizona, MSU found a way to win.
2. End of the sophomore slump? Jake Jaremko and Reggie Lutz each had a goal and an assist and played big-time minutes, coach Mike Hastings said. The Mavericks have to hope that remains a trend for the second half of the conference season. Jaremko, last season's WCHA rookie of the year with 39 points, had just five before Friday's game. Lutz, who had a 27-point rookie season, had seven. If those two get hot and stay hot, Minnesota State's depth could be tough to overcome. Of course, it also means the Mavericks have to get production from its usual suspects this season, too.
3. Different goalie: When the Mavericks and Bulldogs played each other in Mankato in November, Ferris State had freshman Roni Salmenkangas in net, and he gave up 11 of MSU's 12 goals (the other was an empty-netter). On Friday, junior Justin Kapelmaster was in goal, and he stopped 38 of 41 shots, including all 26 he faced in the second and third periods, to allow the Bulldogs to get themselves back in the game after being down 2-0 in the first period. The game was the third consecutive overtime game and sixth of the season for Ferris State.
Read my gamer here.
Around the WCHA: Lake Superior State 7, Alabama Huntsville 2 ... Michigan Tech 2, Bowling Green 0 ... Bemidji State 3, Alaska 0 ... Northern Michigan at Alaska Anchorage (late)
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