UW-Stevens Point took an early lead in Friday's Northern Collegiate Hockey Association playoff series opener, but will now be forced to play from behind after the Blue Devils rallied for a 3-2 victory in Menomonie.

The Pointers scored two goals in the first 11 minutes of the contest before UW-Stout rallied with a goal later in the period and two second period scores. The Blue Devils were able to force a scoreless third period to take the opening game of the quarterfinal series. UW-Stevens Point needs a victory in Saturday's second game and will also need to win an ensuing mini-game to advance to the NCHA semifinals.

Sean Fish (Ramsey, MN/Anoka) scored a power play goal with assists from Josh Calleja (New Richmond/New Richmond) and Pat Lee (Schaumburg, IL/) just 7:04 into the game. Calleja added a goal with an assist from Lee at the 10:27 mark as the Pointers took a 2-0 lead for just the fourth time all season. UW-Stout came back at the 13:56 mark with a goal from Scott Motz and then tied the game 1:46 into the second period on a score from Andy Wiesner.

The Blue Devils, who are 20-4-2 overall and ranked fifth in the NCAA Division III, netted the game-winner at 18:06 of the second period on an unassisted goal by Jack Wolgemuth.

The Pointers pulled the goalie late in the third period, but a penalty with one minute left quelled the comeback threat.

UW-Stevens Point, which fell to 7-17-2 overall, owned a 36-33 advantage in shots as Mike Stone made 34 saves for UW-Stout and Marcus Paulson (Eden Prairie, MN/Eden Prairie) stopped 30 shots for the Pointers.
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