Wolves win 4-3 in Rockford; Series final goes to Chicago on Tuesday

Rockford, Ill-- Four power play goals in the second period were enough to lift the Chicago Wolves to a 4-3 win over the Rockford IceHogs in American Hockey League West Division finals for the AHL championship tonight at the MetroCentre.

After starting a lackluster first frame, shooting just five shots on goal for the period, the Wolves took advantage of a five minute high sticking penalty against Jerraime Domish, called when Domish hit Joe Motzko in the eye, to score two goals. Jason Krog scored two of the power play goals and an assist, with Joel Kwiatkowski scoring a goal and two points. Darren Haydar also had two points. The fourth goal was scored by Nathan Oystrick.

Ondrej Pavelec turned aside 31 shots and was able to stop a 5:3 Rockford power play advantage for the win. Corey Crawford, the Chicago Blackhawk prospect who has had an exciting post-season, turned aside 22 shots for the loss.

Petri Kontiola had a pair of goals and an assist. The third Rockford goal was scored by Kris Versteeg, who also had a point. Martin St. Pierre had two assists on the night.

The win ties the best of seven series; it goes back to the Allstate Arena on Tuesday for a game seven final match-up. The win puts Chicago in a favorable position, the Rockford team has had only one win in the Allstate this season, last week during the post-season. The frustration on the Rockford team with not being able to finish the Wolves was obvious on the game sheet, as the coach, Mike Haviland, let loose on the on-ice referee after the game and Crawford nearly broke his stick in frustration on his way to the lockers.

Haviland told a press conference after the game that a lack of discipline and particularly the 5:3 advantage allowed the Wolves to take possession of the second period. They were able to hold the Hogs back enough in the third frame for the win, he said.