Saturday, April 2, 7:00 p.m. Allstate Arena
The Chicago Wolves’ lengthy odds to reach the 2016 Calder Cup playoffs grew even longer Friday night as the Wolves dropped a 4-3 decision to the Lake Erie Monsters at Allstate Arena while the Charlotte Checkers earned a 6-3 home win over the Texas Stars.
Here’s the reality of the situation: The Wolves can be eliminated from playoff consideration by the end of Saturday’s play by either the Charlotte Checkers or the San Jose Barracuda — but only if the Wolves lose in regulation during tonight’s rematch with Lake Erie.
If the Wolves win their final six games, they would finish with 80 points and a .526 winning percentage. That means either Charlotte, which also plays 76 regular-season games, needs to reach 81 points or San Jose, which plays 68 regular-season games, needs to get to 72 points to ensure the Wolves can’t snag the fourth-place “crossover” spot in the Pacific Division.
Charlotte sits at 77 points, so the only way it can eliminate Chicago tonight is if the Checkers win and the Wolves lose in regulation. San Jose owns 68 points, so the same situation is in effect there: San Jose must win and the Wolves must lose in regulation to knock out Chicago.
By The Numbers
8: TY RATTIE’s 3-point effort on Friday marked the fourth time this season and the eighth time in his Wolves (and professional) career that he has contributed 3 points in a game.
4: JORDAN CARON enjoyed a 2-assist night Friday for the fourth time this season, which includes his pair of assists on Feb. 9 at Lake Erie when the Wolves dropped a 3-2 overtime decision.
17: When Lake Erie’s John Ramage and TY RATTIE scored 17 seconds apart Friday, it marked the fastest exchange of goals this season for the Wolves.
Follow The Action
Today’s game begins at 7:00 p.m. and can be seen on WCIU The U Too as well as streamed on www.ahllive.com. Those away from a TV or computer can follow @Chicago_Wolves or @ChiWolvesLive on Twitter for live in-game play-by-play.
