MENOMONIE (February 9, 2024) - In the second meeting against rival Eau Claire, the Blue Devils scored two goals in the second period and held on in the third to take a 2-1 victory. The Blue Devil victory secured at least third place in the WIAC Championships. But will have an opportunity to secure second place and a first round bye if they are able to win again tomorrow night against the Blugolds.
To start the game, UW-Eau Claire (15-7-2, 9-4-1 WIAC) received a penalty for protocol violation. But UW-Stout (10-12-2, 8-6-0 WIAC) couldn't score with a man advantage.
At 8:32 of the first period, both teams took a penalty and skated four on four. Both teams left the scoreboard at zeros as the game saw full strength hockey at 10:32 of the period.
But at 11:38, the Blugolds saw their first power play. During the power play, Stout took another penalty and Eau Claire skated five on three. But the Blue Devils managed to get both men back and killed off two big penalties.
After one period, both teams went scoreless while Eau Claire led in shots 11-7.
The second period saw more action with three total goals. Stout got on the board first only 56 seconds into the period when
Maksis Brimanis scored the first goal of the night. The goal was assisted by
Tyler Sanborn and
Nicolas Pigeon.
At 4:54 of the period, the Blue Devils scored again to make the game 2-0.
Dylan Rallis scored the back door goal with assists from
Alex Stuckert and
Gunner Moore.
The Blugolds had a man advantage at 7:48 of the period and scored only nine seconds into the power play. The goal was scored by Connor Szmul with assists from Leo Bacallao and Aaron Swanson to get within one goal.
Stout went on another power play at 11:06, but Eau Claire was able to kill of the penalty.
After two periods, the Blugolds led in shots 28-16, but Stout led 2-1 in the game.
In the third period, Stout went on another power play at 7:52, but Eau Claire was able to kill off the penalty.
At 11:19, Eau Claire went on their own power play. Stout almost killed off the penalty, but took another to make it five on three for eight seconds. Eventually, the Blue Devils killed off both penalties to keep the momentum on their side.
As time was ticking down, the Blugolds took their goalie off with one minute left. During the last minute, the Blue Devils held onto most of the possession and time ran out for Eau Claire. The Blue Devils held on and won 2-1 to keep their first round bye chances alive.
In net,
Tyler Masternak received the win stopping 37 shots. Blugold's Max Gutjahr stopped 22 shots during the contest.
The Blue Devils face off against Eau Claire tomorrow night, February 9 at the Fanetti Community Center. Stout will be honoring eight seniors for Senior Night with puck drop at 7 p.m.
