SUPERIOR, Wis. – One day after scoring four goals in a game for just the seventh time this season, the offensive struggles returned for the Yellowjacket men's hockey team in the second game of their weekend series against UW-Stout.
 
After a scoreless first period, Stout scored early in the second period and the goal held up, as the Blue Devils defeated the Yellowjackets 1-0 Saturday night at Wessman Arena.
 
The loss puts the Yellowjackets (11-11-1, 6-6-1 WIAC) into a precarious position heading into the final weekend of the regular season. The Yellowjackets need to earn two points, either through gaining points at UW-Stevens Point, or UW-River Falls losing points to Northland, in order to secure a spot in the top four of the conference and host a playoff series in the first round.
 
Peyton Hart scored the only goal of the night, beating Yellowjacket goaltender Jack Boschert (Florissant, Mo./Duchesne) high to the stick side at 3:31 of the second period. Boschert took the loss Saturday, finishing the game with 18 saves. His record now stands at 5-3-1 on the year.
 
Game Notes

• Despite the loss, Boschert's goals against average dropped Saturday, from 1.90 to 1.80.
• The Yellowjacket penalty kill had been struggling of late, but the unit went 9-for-9 against a potent Stout power play.
• The loss snapped a four-game winning streak against Stout.
• The Yellowjackets outshot Stout 32-19 for the game, including 15-3 in the third period.
• So far this season the Yellowjackets have scored one goal or less 11 times in 23 games.
• C.J. Walker (Boise, Idaho/Athol Murray College of Notre Dame) led all Yellowjackets with five shots on goal.
• Blake Holmes (Apple Valley, Minn./St. Thomas Academy) had four shots on goal to go along with two blocks.

The Yellowjackets will close out the regular season with a two-game series at UW-Stevens Point. The series is set to begin Friday, Feb. 9 at K.B. Willett Arena in Stevens Point. The opening faceoff is set for 7 p.m.
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