In his third season, MSU junior forward Mike Lalonde finally pulled the rabbit from his hat.

Lalonde was awarded the game's No. 1 star after notching his first career hat trick Friday night in the No. 14 Spartans' defeat of Wayne State (3-5-2 overall, 1-3-0 CHA), 7-2. The Spartans' lopsided victory came about 24 hours after the Spartans were stunned, 3-2, by the Warriors in overtime Thursday night.

If the Spartans (8-5-1, 6-3-1 CCHA) had skated away with back-to-back losses to Wayne State, their NCAA Tournament chances would have been in disarray, making a CCHA title the most probable way to ensure postseason participation.

"I don't know the difference between (Thursday) and (Friday) night for sure," MSU head coach Rick Comley said. "I think you get embarrassed (about) last night and you have to be very careful about what you say as far as your opponent.

"Tonight, we handled it as well as we have against anybody."

Lalonde, who also tallied an assist, played with the pride Comley speaks of. After a frustrating few weeks of lackluster play, the assistant captain said it felt good to finally skate well and help the team earn a must-win.

"I haven't been playing that well individually," Lalonde said. "The team has done well, so I guess playing well individually for the team is definitely something I really like."

For his outstanding evening, Lalonde's fellow Spartans decided an award was in order for his efforts.

Junior forward Brock Radunske, who scored two goals with two assists en route to the No. 2 star honors, called for refreshments after Friday's win.

"We'll get him a pop and chips," Radunske said with a laugh.

And this theme of refreshments continued throughout the weekend, as Comley granted his athletes Saturday and Sunday off to rest.

Thursday's slip-up could have been because of the Spartans' lack of time off, and Lalonde said it's important to have recuperation time before a tough stretch of contests against Minnesota, Wisconsin and No. 7 Michigan.

"It's definitely refreshing at a time when maybe guys are a little tired," Lalonde said. "We've had a pretty tough stretch.

"The teams we have played may not have great records, but they have worn on us and played really well against us. We've had to play consistently and really well to win games."

In goal

MSU junior goaltender Matt Migliaccio returned to the net Friday night after three games off.

Migliaccio was close to a shutout, giving up two goals to Wayne State late in the third period. He finished the game with 26 saves.

"I always want (a shutout)," Migliaccio said. "I haven't given up more than two goals all year, and then that happens.

"I played well tonight, so I'm happy with it, but it would have been nice."

Freshman Dominic Vicari started Thursday, finishing the game with 19 saves.