Mavericks 4, Beavers 1

Freddy's three thoughts of the game ...

1. 'Tender moments: Dryden McKay was Named WCHA Goaltender of the Month for February, and he started March pretty well, stopping 31 of 32 shots in the win. He made some big-time saves during the game, including on a couple of flurries from a motivated Bemidji State team and a huge glove save on a 1:49 5-on-3 BSU power play in the second period. "I think he’s been exceptional," coach Mike Hastings said. "That’s nice to have because if you want to get somewhere at the most important time of the season, you need great goaltending."

2. Home cooking': Minnesota State improved its record at the Verizon Center to 15-1-0 and hopes to keep that going as it will be in Mankato for the next 6-8 games, as long as it keeps winning. Defending home ice is important, as Hastings often brings up that point and did again on Friday night. Why are they so good at home? Nick Rivera, who had a goal and an assist against the Beavers, said: "The atmosphere is always good. Looking back at Christmas break, there weren’t a lot of students in town, but the barn was still filled with 4,000 people. It’s a hard atmosphere to play in." MSU's spring break is starting this weekend, and Friday's announced attendance was 4,357.

3. Glad Max: The return of Max Coatta ended up being pretty important. After missing nine games with a lower-body injury, he scored what would stand as the game-winning goal (just the third GWG of his career), blocked a shot and did some excellent work on the penalty kill, including during that lengthy 5-on-3. "He's a jack of all trades," Rivera said of his teammate. "He does everything — killing penalties, scoring goals, in the locker room."

Read my game story here.

Around the WCHA: Lake Superior State 5, Ferris State 2 ... Northern Michigan 4, Michigan Tech 2 ... Alabama Huntsville 4, Bowling Green 2 ... Alaska 4, Alaska Anchorage 0

Standings going into the last night of the regular season:

1. Minnesota State, 65 points*
2. Northern Michigan 53*
3. Bowling Green 52*
4. Lake Superior State 50*
5. Bemidji State 45
6. Michigan Tech 43
7. Alaska 37
8. Alabama Huntsville 28
9. Ferris State**
10. Alaska Anchorage 11 **

* clinched home ice for first round
** eliminated from playoff contention