Digesting a cup of black coffee isn't typically on Red Berenson's nocturnal to-do list.

But the Michigan hockey coach made an exception Friday night. The late-night dose of caffeine aided Berenson in reviewing game tape, ensuring that everything he thought he saw in the Wolverines' convincing 7-2 win over Lake Superior State at Yost Ice Arena actually took place.

Berenson had plenty to take in.

Video evidence showed a team that finally strung together three solid periods of hockey on a Friday night, snapping a 4-game winless streak in series openers in the process.

It also produced an impressive offensive highlight reel that included seven different Michigan scorers and that saw 11 of the Wolverines' 12 forwards tally at least one point.

"It really proves that we came out and had a great team effort tonight," senior forward Carl Hagelin said as he glanced over the score sheet. "We're a good team, we have four strong lines and today, everyone showed up."

That much was certainly evident, especially early when Michigan (7-3-3, 6-2-1 CCHA) produced four first-period goals. For the most part, early offense had been lacking during a winless string of Friday night losses that dated back to Oct. 8.

But the Wolverines changed all that Friday night, taking charge over the first 20 minutes. Michigan built a 4-1 lead on goals by Jon Merrill, David Wohlberg, Ben Winnett and A.J. Treais.

Even after Lake Superior State (5-6-2, 3-5-1 CCHA) used a last-second goal to close to within two goals, Michigan's renewed offensive attack was more than enough. Friday night's seven goals nearly matched the nine goals the Wolverines had produced in their five previous series-opening showings.

"We got the goals we needed to separate ourselves and that hasn't happened on a Friday," Berenson said. "We've had trouble getting three good periods....But tonight, it was our night."

After giving up his second goal with only a second remaining in the first period, Michigan goalie Shawn Hunwick saved all 13 of the shots he faced the rest of the way.

His 22-save outing provided Hunwick with his first win of the season after being the hard-luck victim of the Wolverines inconsistent performances on Friday nights.

"I think that's huge for his confidence," Treais said. "He's been in a lot of close games this year and maybe we let him down. But he's a great goalie and it's great that he got a win because it's great for his confidence."

Michigan's offense finally provided Hunwick with enough support needed to pick up the win. Hagelin pushed Michigan's lead to 5-2 in the second period, scoring on a breakaway after Michigan's defense shut down a Lakers' scoring chance. The defensive effort turned into quick offense as Hunwick finished the flurry of activity with his team-leading sixth goal of the season.

Kevin Lynch and Scooter Vaughan scored in the final period to close out the win.

Vaughan's goal came with the Wolverines short-handed after senior Matt Rust was assessed a 5-minute major penalty and game misconduct for delivering an elbow to a Lake Superior State skater along the boards.

Now, after snapping the month-long Friday winless streak, Michigan will seek its first series sweep in Saturday night's 7:35 p.m. finale. Despite having so much go well in Friday's win, the Wolverines found flaws - including giving up two goals to defenseman Kyle Haines - failing to play as well defensively as they would like.

But after struggling all season to get off on the right foot, Berenson said his team can now focus on putting two positive performances together as it tries to build some momentum.

"I think our team is gaining a little more confidence, a little more composure and they're learning every weekend about things they need to do better," Berenson said. "I thought we did a lot more things better tonight.

"Tonight was a good step. Now, we have to validate it the weekend with another good game tomorrow night."

Jeff Arnold covers Michigan hockey for AnnArbor.com and can be reached at (734) 623-2554 or by e-mail at jeffarnold@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @jeffreyparnold.