ROSEMONT, Ill. – Goaltender Jordan Binnington posted his second consecutive shutout to lead the Chicago Wolves to a 1-0 shootout victory over the Texas Stars Wednesday night at Allstate Arena.
Forwards Kenny Agostino and Ty Rattie scored during the shootout to push the Chicago’s unbeaten streak to 11 games at 9-0-2-0. The Wolves are positioned to take over the top spot in the Central Division if they can overcome the Grand Rapids Griffins in a home-and-home set March 17 and 18.
“They’ve been ahead of us most of the season,” said Wolves head coach Craig Berube. “They’re a very good team, so I think we’re going to be pumped up to play them and prove that we can play with them.”
The Wolves (37-17-5-3) hold a one-point lead over the Griffins in the standings, but Grand Rapids holds two games in hand and owns a better winning percentage.
Binnington (14-6-5) turned aside 30 shots in regulation and overtime. Texas netminder Justin Peters (12-15-2) stopped 27 shots to help push the game to a shootout.
The Wolves elected to shoot first in the shootout. Andrew Agozzino missed as did Caleb Herbert for Texas (27-29-1-4). Agostino – the American Hockey League’s leading scorer – finally put a puck past Peters in the second round and Binnington stopped Travis Morin to give the Wolves a 1-0 lead.
Rattie found twine in the third round to clinch the victory for the Wolves.
Chicago travels to Grand Rapids on Friday (March 17) for the first of a home-and-home set with the Griffins, and the victor will gain – or retain – the Central Division lead. Puck drop is set for 6 p.m., and the contest will be broadcast on The U Too.
On Saturday (March 18), the Wolves and Griffins wrap up their 10-game season series at Allstate Arena. The game begins at 7 p.m. and will air on CW50 in Chicago. For ticket information or updates on the 2017 Calder Cup Playoff race, visit ChicagoWolves.com.
