Tale of the Tape: March 18, 2018 vs. Iowa

KRYPTONITE

The Chicago Wolves have faced a dozen opponents this season and, of those 12 foes, they own a points percentage less than .500 against only two of them: the Iowa Wild (.400) and Manitoba Moose (.286). This season marks the first time since the teams began dueling in the American Hockey League (2013- 14) that the Wolves are in danger of losing the season series. In four prior seasons, the Wolves never captured less than six victories or finished with less than a .750 points percentage against the Wild. Coming into Sunday’s game, Chicago owns a 2-3-0-0 record against Iowa. FRIENDLY!CONFINES So far this season, the Chicago Wolves and Iowa Wild have only danced twice at Allstate Arena and split the victories. On Nov. 26, the Wild barged into Rosemont and handed the Wolves a 6-4 loss. Then on Dec. 16 — when the Wolves were beginning to rise toward the top of the AHL standings — Chicago knocked off Iowa 6-3. Although the Wolves cannot match last season’s perfect 5-0-0-0 record against the Wild, there is still a chance for the team to finish north of .500 points percentage at home versus Iowa.

WELLS WELLS WELLS

Traditionally, the Chicago Wolves have been stellar at Wells Fargo Arena since they began playing the Iowa Wild there for the 2013-14 season. Through four seasons, Chicago accrued a 16-1-2-1 record — the team did not suffer its first regulation loss at Wells Fargo Arena until the 2016-17 series opener on Nov. 18, 2016. This season has not been kind to the Wolves on enemy ice in Des Moines — they have only won one of three games and gained two more regulation losses.

FAMILIAR FACE BETWEEN THE PIPES

Last time goaltender Max Lagace was between the pipes for the Chicago Wolves, he faced the Iowa Wild on Feb. 9. That contest also marked the 25-year-old’s return to the lineup after leaving the game on Jan. 17 when the Wolves, that’s right, faced the Wild. In his most recent appearance for Chicago, Lagace gave up three goals as the Wolves suffered a 4-1 loss. In the game prior, Jan. 17, Chicago also lost as the Quebec native surrendered a pair of goals through almost 36 minutes of play before leaving the game. He did not earn the decision in the 5-2 loss.

FULL HOUSE

On Thursday, the Vegas Golden Knights returned forward Tomas Hyka and goaltender Max Lagace on loan to the Chicago Wolves. Chicago now has 28 players on its roster, including 17 forwards, eight defensemen and three netminders. Only two — Mackenzie MacEachern and Petteri Lindbohm — are unavailable long-term with injuries. Everyone else is in shipshape and ready to assist with the push for Chicago’s 19th postseason berth.