Huskies 5, Mavericks 4

The Associated Press

Freddy's three thoughts ...

1. So, so close: It was a great game between Minnesota State and St. Cloud State. Mike Hastings said afterward, "When you have two evenly matched teams, a play at the end of the game can make the difference." And that's what happen when the Huskies' Nolan Walker scored the game-winner on a deflected shot with 53.2 seconds to play in regulation. Minnesota State got down early and was down 3-1 before storming back to take a 4-3 lead at 4:18 of the third period. But it couldn't add to that lead or close out this final-period lead, and the Huskies made the comeback to win it and move on to the championship game.

2. Smith steps up: Minnesota State sophomore forward Nathan Smith might have been the best player on the ice, scoring two goals, both on the power play. If the Winnipeg Jets draft pick returns next season, he could be quite a force in the new CCHA. "The steps he made over the last few weeks are going to serve him well," Hasting said. "I thought (he) was outstanding in the regional and was impactful tonight." Walker Duehr had a big goal to spark MSU's second-period comeback and a big assist to fellow senior Dallas Gerads for the go-ahead goal.

3. Historic season: This season won't soon be forgotten, as the Mavericks got to the Frozen Four for the first time. "They wrote some new history," Hastings said. "Last March, a year ago, when that group was on that journey, they didn't get a chance to write it. I think this group picked those pieces up." Senior Riese Zmolek fought back tears during the post-game press conference, saying: "Obviously, it's tough, what we just went through, But I'm proud of the group we have in there. It's a special group of guys. I'm proud of every single person in that locker room. ... And the coaching staff, coach Hastings, they'll be back. They'll be back for more."

Deep thought: The ESPN broadcast left so much to be desired. Between Nathan Smith being called "Davis," Todd Burgess being called "Tom" or even "Tommy," and Barry Melrose clearly not knowing which team was which or what conference they played in, it was really tough to watch. I appreciate John Buccigross' passion for college hockey and his commitment to trying to give a niche, regional sport some national exposure, but a little prep can go a long way to improve a broadcast. Be better, ESPN.