IOWA FALLS TO CHICAGO 3-1
Mar 28, 2018Wild forward Zack Mitchell scores in first game back with the team
ROSEMONT, ILLINOIS – Iowa Wild (30-23-9-6; 75 points) lost to Chicago Wolves (38-21-7-2; 85 points) by a score of 3-1 Wednesday night at Allstate Arena. The loss extended the Wild’s losing streak to six games.
The teams opened up the game with a scoreless first period, with both clubs registering six shots on goal. It wasn’t until the 16:43 mark in the second period did Chicago finally open the scoring. Wolves forward Beau Bennett ripped a wrist shot over the glove of Wild goaltender Niklas Svedberg (21 saves) for his 11th of the season. His tally gave the home squad a 1-0 lead.
The Wild answered quickly, as forward Zack Mitchell recorded his 15th goal of the season on a breakaway. Defenseman Zach Palmquist was whistled for a hooking penalty and on the penalty kill, Mitchell blocked a pass from the point by a Wolves defender, opening a lane straight to goaltender Oscar Dansk (27 saves). Mitchell, with everyone to his back, went backhand-forehand, maneuvering around Dansk’s pokecheck and buried his chance just 39 seconds following Bennett’s score. His short-handed tally tied the game at 1-1 and was his first since being reassigned by Minnesota Monday.
At the end of the second period, the score was tied 1-1 with Chicago holding a 15-14 shot advantage.
Chicago ultimately broke the stalemate with a power-play goal at 12:08 in the third period. On a 2-on-1, forward Teemu Pulkkinen sent a cross-ice pass to forward Brandon Pirri, who one-timed his shot into the back of the net to take a 2-1 lead. Wolves forward Paul Thompson added an empty net goal at 18:37 and Chicago skated away with a 3-1 victory.
With the loss, Iowa moved to five points outside a playoff spot. The game marked the seventh time in the last 10 games the Wild outshot its opponents.
The team returns back to Wells Fargo Arena to start a four-game homestand, beginning with two games against Tucson Roadrunners. Puck drop on the first contest of the series is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Friday night.
The Iowa Wild 2017-18 season is presented by Mercy Medical Center and runs from October through April. For more information, please contact the Wild office by calling 515-564-8700 or by visiting www.iowawild.com.