The Muskegon Lumberjacks have been killing off penalties at an impressive rate lately, but that ability eluded them on Friday night in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The host Cedar Rapids Roughriders had four power play opportunities, scored on three of them, and handed the Jacks a tough 4-1 loss.

The defeat moved Muskegon seven points behind Cedar Rapids in the race for the sixth and final playoff spot in the USHL’s Eastern Conference. The two teams will have an important rematch on Saturday night.

Lumberjacks forward Ethan Fredericks, who scored Muskegon’s only goal. Photo-Tonya Pardon.

Jacob Craft scored an early power play goal for the Roughriders in the first period, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead. Muskegon’s Ethan Fredericks answered with a goal at the 12:40 mark, assisted by Ty Henricks, and the game was tied 1-1 at the first break.

Cedar Rapids added a power play goal by Dylan Hryckowian at 17:06 of the second period, making the score 2-1.

The Roughriders tackled on two more goals in the third period, from Ryan Walsh at the 13:25 mark on a power play, and from Jack Musa at 16:19.

The Lumberjacks struggled to mount much offense and were outshot 34-19.

Muskegon goalie Raythan Robbins took the loss.