We're supposed to learn more from adversity than moments of success, yet Ben Street had a different view as it relates to the latest experiences for the University of Wisconsin men's hockey team.

The Badgers didn't have their best stuff Friday against Minnesota-Duluth at the Kohl Center, but still managed to open a Western Collegiate Hockey Association series with a 3-1 win.

UW played better Saturday, but endured a 2-1 overtime loss to the Bulldogs.

Street, the junior center and assistant captain, was asked which game offered more enlightenment. He said the victory, which extended a season-best unbeaten streak for the Badgers to six games (4-0-2).

"We found a way to win and that's what we're going to need to do late in the season," he said. "We didn't play very well, but everyone kind of battled through that."

Street was more philosophical about the loss, which had as much to do the outstanding work of Duluth goaltender Alex Stalock as anything. Stalock was credited with 31 saves, including 15 in the second period when the Badgers had numerous chances to break the game open.

"We did a lot of good things (Saturday)," Street said. "We can't let that bug us. We have to move forward. We've been playing pretty good hockey lately, so we just need to build on that."

There is no getting around the fact UW blew a great chance to stake a larger claim in the first division of the ever-tightening WCHA.

Instead of having sole possession of fourth place with eight regular-season games remaining, the 11th-ranked Badgers (12-11-5 overall, 8-9-3 with 19 points in the WCHA) remain tied with Duluth (11-9-6, 7-8-5).

That breathing room would come in handy given UW plays three of the last four series on the road and all are with teams right on its heels.

Next up is a trip Friday and Saturday to Michigan Tech (6-9-3, 10-12-4, 15 points) for Winter Carnival.

"It's going to be a fight, a race, a battle for the rest of the season," UW senior right winger Matthew Ford said. "We're playing teams that are all right there in the mix in the standings with us.

"It's going to get us ready for the end of the season. I think that's good, to see where we stand and how we're going to play in big games."

The most upbeat development for the Badgers over the weekend -- aside from the consistently strong play of junior goaltender Shane Connelly -- is that a second forward line seems to have come to life.

Street, Ford and sophomore left winger Michael Davies combined for 11 shots Saturday. While Ford offers a physical presence, Davies has some dynamic puck skills and Street is heady and resourceful.

"They emerged," UW coach Mike Eaves said, noting Davies and Street have developed a noticeable chemistry.

That gives the Badgers another go-to line along with sophomore left winger Blake Geoffrion, freshman center Kyle Turris and freshman right winger Patrick Johnson.

"We have kind of established two waves of scoring and then the other two lines are chipping in," Street said. "We've got a good balance right now. We've just got to keep that going."