Seventh-ranked Minnesota Duluth opened a key NCHC stretch with a 4-3 loss to No. 3 Western Michigan on Friday night at Amsoil Arena.
Ty Hanson scored in the first period for the Bulldogs (17-8, 8-7 NCHC). Jayson Shaugabay and Callum Arnott added goals in the final two minutes.
Western Michigan (17-6, 9-4) built a 3-1 lead through two periods on goals from Zaccharya Wisdom, Grant Slukynsky and William Whitelaw. Owen Michaels scored in the third period.
UMD outshot the Broncos 37-21, including 20-4 in the second period, but Western Michigan converted on defensive breakdowns and received 34 saves from Hampton Slukynsky. Adam Gajan made 17 saves for the Bulldogs.
Minnesota Duluth went 1-for-6 on the power play. Western Michigan was 0-for-6.
The loss dropped the Bulldogs behind the Broncos in the NCHC standings. The teams meet again at 6 p.m. Saturday to close the four-game season series.