Chicago Takes Two Points in Shootout Victory Over Texas

(Credit: Chicago Wolves)

The Chicago Wolves picked up their first win over the Texas Stars this season with a 4-3 shootout victory in Rosemont, Illinois this afternoon. Each game this season between these two teams has been decided by a single goal and three of them now in overtime. Denis Gurianov and Roope Hintz each had a goal and assisted on the other's tally in the game. Hintz returned from injury with a strong effort.

The Wolves got on the board first and quite early. Bryce Gervais scored just 24 seconds into the game to take the 1-0 lead. Things got no easier for Texas in the period as Austin Fyten took a five minute major and game misconduct for boarding. Texas killed the major power play and another minor in the period. At the end of twenty though, Texas was outshot 21-6. At one point during the frame, they trailed 18-1 on shots.

The Stars answered back in the second period on consecutive shifts. Roope Hintz put a rebound through the legs of a Wolves defender for the tie at 4:16 and Brent Regner blasted one from the top of the right wing circle for the 2-1 lead just 13 seconds later. Brandon Pirri would score to tie things back up, however, before the end of the frame.

The teams traded goals in the third period with Chicago reclaiming their lead early on. Keegan Kolesar collected a homerun pass from Pirri and beat Bow for the 3-2 lead. Denis Gurianov continued his strong play with a goal off the pass from Andrew Bodnarchuk. It was Gurianov's 12th point in the last 11 games.

Both teams looked to break through in the third period late, but overtime was unavoidable. With no score in the extra period, a shootout ensued. Tyler Kelleher was the lone goal scorer for Texas as Brandon Pirri and TJ Tynan both netted goals for Chicago to win 2-1 in the shootout.

Landon Bow had a busy day, stopping 41 of 44 shots. Oscar Dansk only saw 23 shots by comparison.

Texas now heads to Rockford for a game there tomorrow night.

Injuries, scratches, and notes:
Dickinson (call up)
Dowling, McParland, French, Scarlett, Paliotta (scratch)
McKenzie (injured)

Today's attendance was 15,426.

AHL Gamesheet - Texas at Chicago - February 27 2018