Mavericks 6, Falcons 3

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

1. With or without you: Marc Michaelis was the best player on the ice, it seemed, for two periods, getting a goal and two assists as the Mavericks built a 5-2 lead. But a lower-body injury (somewhere in the left leg, it appeared) late in the second period ended his night and left his availability for Saturday's rematch in doubt. "Not sure yet the extent," coach Mike Hastings said. "I don't believe he'll be available for tomorrow." The Mavericks have to hope it's not too serious. Michaelis, who is one of the team's two Hobey Baker nominees, leads the WCHA in scoring with 33 points (16 goals, 17 assists).

2. Deep Purple: The Mavericks filled up the scorecard on Friday, getting goals from Michaelis, Nick Rivera, Charlie Gerard, Josh French, Julian Napravnik and Riese Zmolek. Rivera also had an assist. Freshman forward Lucas Sowder stayed hot with three assists for his second three-point game in a row. And Walker Duehr had two assists. The Mavericks have the depth to overcome a few missed games by Michaelis, should it come to that, but they'll still need their best player long-term. MSU is also without Jake Jaremko this weekend. He is nursing an upper-body injury.

3. Still streaking: Minnesota State, which won 10 games in a row earlier this season, is now on a six-game winning streak. Although they won by three goals, the Mavericks were in a close game for awhile. The game was tied 1-1 after one period, and Bowling Green tied it at 2-2 just 8 seconds after Michaelis gave MSU a 2-1 lead. Freshman Adam Conquest scored BG's first two goals. They were his first career goals. What is it with rookies having that first success against Minnesota State? Remember the St. Cloud State game?

Read more here.

Around the WCHA: Northern Michigan 2, Cornell 2 (OT) ... Alaska 2, Ferris State 0 ... Bemidji State 4, Michigan Tech 1 ... Alabama Huntsville at Alaska Anchorage (late)