Wolves bite Admirals, 4-2

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Wolves scored three first period goals and held on to beat the Milwaukee Admirals Saturday night at Allstate Arena, 4-2.

Chicago’s win was its third in the Amtrak Rivalry. Milwaukee has also won three games, but one of the Admirals victories came via shootout, so Chicago has one more point head-to-head than Milwaukee (7-6).

The Wolves struck first with a power play goal at 4:33 of the first period. Defenseman Sebastian Erixon’s shot from the right circle went past Atte Engren for his first professional goal. Former Admirals star Darren Haydar notched the secondary assist, making him the 22nd player in AHL history to score 700 career points.
Chicago’s Victor Oreskovich scored a shorthanded goal from the right wing at 14:12 of the first period to give the Wolves a 2-0 lead.
Milwaukee got on the board when Joel Champagne scored his second of the season at 16:03 of the first period. Champagne deflected a Scott Valentine shot over the left shoulder of Chicago goalie Matt Climie. Teemu Laakso also earned an assist on the play.

The Wolves made it 3-1 with another power play goal at 18:04 of the first period when defenseman Kevin Connauton’s shot from the right circle trickled past Engren.

Jeremy Smith replaced Engren in Milwaukee’s goal after the first period and Milwaukee responded with a season-high 23 shots on goal in the frame. However, Chicago’s Haydar scored the only goal with a shot from the left circle at 18:10 of the second period.

The Admirals Taylor Beck made it 4-2 at 1:19 of the third period with a shot from the left circle that eluded Climie. Beck’s sixth goal of the season was assisted by Tyler Sloan and Michael Latta.

Milwaukee returns home Sunday, Dec. 11 at 4:00 pm against Rockford.