ROSEMONT, Illinois – The Chicago Wolves shrugged off an early two-goal deficit and rallied for a 4-2 victory over the Milwaukee Admirals on Saturday night in an Amtrak Rivalry game at Allstate Arena.
Right wing Ty Rattie assisted on the first two goals and delivered the game-winner 1:01 into the third period. Forward Evan Trupp and defenseman Jordan Schmaltz produced the first two goals for the Wolves (26-27-5-3) while Danny Kristo added an empty-net tally.
“It was a great effort all-around,” said Wolves head coach John Anderson. “We had something from everybody tonight and that’s how we have to win games.”
Milwaukee (37-21-3-0) took a 1-0 lead on Max Reinhart’s power-play goal 4:28 into the game. The Wolves kept breaking up Milwaukee passes toward the crease, but couldn’t get the puck out of the zone and Reinhart roofed a wrister from below the right circle.
Milwaukee’s Kevin Fiala delivered another power-play goal at 13:42 of the first with a one-timer from the left circle.
Trupp ignited the Wolves rally with a power-play goal 11:32 into the second period. Milwaukee goaltender Juuse Saros deflected Rattie’s shot from the left circle, but the rebound slid tantalizingly just beyond the goal line. Trupp outraced a defenseman and dove with his stick outstretched to tap the puck home.
Chicago pulled even with seven seconds left in the second period on Schmaltz’ power-play goal. He flung a backhander from the left point that caromed off a Milwaukee defenseman’s leg in the slot for his fourth of the year.
Rattie gave the Wolves the 3-2 lead at 1:01 of the third when Chicago’s forecheck didn’t allow Milwaukee to clear the puck. Jeremy Welsh dropped a pass for Rattie, who blasted a riser from the right faceoff dot for his 12th goal of the year.
Binnington (13-13-5) posted 24 saves to earn the win while Saros (21-7-0) notched 16 saves.
The Wolves host Grand Rapids at 3 p.m. Sunday as the team debuts its commemorate St. Patrick’s Day jerseys, presented by Jewel-Osco. Fans who want to win one of these exclusive jerseys can participate in the Golden Ticket Raffle, silent auction and blind auction to raise money for Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago and Chicago Wolves Charities. To find the best ticket specials, visit ChicagoWolves.com or call 1-800-THE-WOLVES.
WOLVES 4, ADMIRALS 2
Milwaukee 2 0 0 — 2
Chicago 0 2 2 — 4
First Period—1, Milwaukee, Reinhart 17 (Aberg, Gortz), 4:28 pp; 2, Milwaukee, Fiala 14 (Gaudreau, Murphy), 13:42 pp. Penalties—Beach, Chicago (boarding), 2:55; Oligny, Milwaukee (interference), 8:54; Beach, Chicago (diving/embellishment), 8:54; Payerl, Milwaukee (instigating, fighting, misconduct), 11:29; Beach, Chicago (fighting), 11:29; Cannone, Chicago (roughing), 11:35; Benoit, Chicago (holding), 12:14; Nightingale, Chicago (slashing), 13:22; Mullen, Milwaukee (high-sticking), 19:30.
Second Period—3, Chicago, Trupp 4 (Caron, Rattie), 11:32 pp; 4, Chicago, Schmaltz 4 (Rattie, Kristo), 19:53 pp. Penalties—Doty, Chicago (hooking), 4:42; Elliott, Milwaukee (high-sticking double-minor), 10:20; Aberg, Milwaukee (tripping), 18:42.
Third Period—5, Chicago, Rattie 12 (Welsh), 1:01; 6, Chicago, Kristo 19 (Caron), 19:43 en. Penalties—Veilleux, Chicago (boarding), 7:51.
Shots on goal—Milwaukee 12-5-9—26; Chicago 4-7-9—20. Power plays—Milwaukee 2-6; Chicago 2-5. Goalies—Milwaukee, Saros (16-19); Chicago, Binnington (24-26). Referee—Olivier Gouin. Linesmen—Ryan Daisy and Ian McCambridge.
