Big Rapids, Mich. ---   #7/8 Minnesota State led wire-to-wire in hanging on for a 2-1 win at Ferris State in Western Collegiate Hockey Association action Saturday in Big Rapids, Mich.

Combined with 3-2 overtime victory over the Bulldogs Friday night, the Mavericks upped their 2018-19 record to 18-5-1, 13-3-0 WCHA.

After a scoreless first period in which the Mavericks outshot the Bulldogs by a 16-6 margin, sophomore winger Dallas Gerads broke the ice by pushing the puck into the net on a scramble in front of the crease at 2:26 of the second period. The goal is the ninth of the year for the Blaine, Minn., native and his fifth tally in the last six games.

The two teams traded goals in the third period, with Minnesota State sophomore forward Reggie Lutz taking control of a rebound while lying prone on the ice before sweeping the puck past Justin Kapelmaster at 6:23 and FSU's Nate Kallen firing a shot from the point that snuck past Dryden McKay at 15:19 with the Bulldogs on the power play. Lutz's goal, his third of the year, is his fifth career game-winning goal.

McKay, who has started 11 of the last 12 games for Minnesota State, had 28 saves in the game and now stands 11-4-1 for the season.  

The Mavericks, who were zero-for-four in power play chances in the contest, outshot the Bulldogs by a 44-29 margin. 

With tonight's victory, Minnesota State has extended its unbeaten streak to five games.  The Mavericks, who stand atop the WCHA standings with 39 points, lead the nation in wins with 18 victories.

Next action for the Mavericks in next Friday and Saturday when Lake Superior State visits the Key City for a pair of WCHA contests.

Head coach Mike Hastings commented following the win.



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