Reilly's Heroics and Michalek's Goaltending Help
December 16, 2016 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Iowa Wild News Release
CLEVELAND, OH - The Iowa Wild (12-13-2-1, 27 points) defeated the Cleveland Monsters (12-11-1-2, 27 points) 2-1 in a shootout in front of 10,923 fans at Quicken Loans Arena on Friday night. Iowa defenseman Mike Reilly scored with 33 seconds left in regulation, tying the game and forcing the eventual shootout. Iowa Wild goalie Steve Michalek (5-6-1) was solid in net, stopping 17 of 18 in regulation and four of five shootout attempts for the win. Iowa forward Alex Tuch scored the decisive shootout goal, helping the Wild take three of four points in Cleveland. Monsters goalie Joonas Korpisalo (4-4-2) stopped 30 of 31 in a regulation and three of five attempts in the shootout loss. Iowa returns home to host Manitoba on Sunday at 3 PM.
The Monsters struck for the period's lone goal, as forward Daniel Zaar swooped in behind the Wild net and swung out towards the right ring corner of the Iowa zone. Zaar snapped the puck from an odd angle and beat goalie Steve Michalek for his eight goal of the year and a 1-0 lead.
The Wild pulled Michalek in the last two minutes of the game in favor of the extra attacker. The gamble paid off at 19:27 when defenseman Mike Reilly scored from the high slot to tie the game 1-1. Center Pat Cannone and left wing Colton Beck aided Reilly's third goal of the season for the tie game.
The two teams skated to a scoreless overtime and eventually needed a shootout to decide the winner. Iowa scored on two of five attempts with Zack Mitchell and Alex Tuch scoring to help Iowa win. Michalek stopped all but one of the Monsters shootout attempts to preserve the victory.
Iowa returns home for a two-game visit from the Manitoba Moose on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 3 PM. It's Toys for Tots night, where fans may donate a toy and receive a ticket voucher for a future Iowa Wild home game. All donations benefit Toys for Tots, sponsored by Complete Nutrition and KCCI. The Subway Combo Pack is available for purchase at the game. There is also a postgame skate at the conclusion of the game. Rental skates are available for $2, and proceeds benefit the American Diabetes Association.
Iowa plays Manitoba again on Monday, Dec. 19 at 7 PM. It is a Free Parking Monday (until the IEC lots are full), sponsored by Nash Icon and KGGO. It is also $1 soda night and fans may bring in a Subway receipt to purchase a ticket for only $5.
2016-17 Iowa Wild regular season single-game tickets are on sale now. Follow the Iowa Wild on Twitter @IAWILD or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/iawild.
The Iowa Wild 2016-17 season is presented by Mercy Medical Center: and runs from October through April. Fans may purchase seats to see any of the team's 38 regular season home games at Wells Fargo Arena. Season tickets to see the Wild play its 2016-17 season at Wells Fargo Arena start at just $10 per game. For more information on tickets, including ticket plans and group seating, please contact the Wild ticket office by calling 515-564-8700 or go to www.iowawild.com.
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