UW-Stout 4, UW-River Falls 3 | Photo Gallery |
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MENOMONIE (February 11, 2017) - UW-Stout scored two power play goals and
Gavin Smith scored the game-winning-goal as the Blue Devils defeated UW-River Falls, 4-3, Saturday at the Fanetti Community Center.
After scoring only one power play goal in the previous six game, the Blue Devils' special teams came to life, not only scoring two power play goals, but stifling all three of the Falcons' power play opportunities.
The Falcons (12-11-2, 3-4-1 WIAC) did open the game's scoring when Christian George scored at 6:17 of the first period.
Stout (11-12-2, 3-5-0 WIAC) answered back twice in the period to take the lead.
Joe Kleven scored at 11:55 on the power play, with assists by
Alex Toscano and
Connor Valesano. Four minutes later,
Mathias Ahman found the back of the net, getting an assist from Kleven.
The Falcons knotted the score with less than three minutes remaining in the period when Blake Busch scored.
River Falls regained the lead at 10:05 in the second period on a goal by Mitch Kontny.
The Blue Devils used the power play at 18:16 in the second period when freshman
Jack Forbort, on assists from Kleven and Toscano.
Kleven would get into the action one more time, getting an assist, along with
Colton Brausen, at 7:07 of the final period on Smith's goal. Kleven finished the night with a goal and three assists.
The Blue Devils still have work to do. After River Falls pulled their goalie with just less than a minute remaining in the game, twice the Blue Devils had to work through face offs in the defensive zone in the final 16 seconds.
Spencer Viele picked up his seventh win of the season in the net, recording 24 saves. The Falcons' Zach Quinn made 20 saves.
Stout returns to action Friday, Feb. 17 and Saturday, Feb. 18 when they host UW-Superior at 7:30 p.m. in the first round of the WIAC Tournament.
