AHL Chicago Wolves

Wolves Down Aeros, 5-3

March 31, 2011 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Chicago Wolves News Release


HOUSTON---The Chicago Wolves took an early lead in the first period and never let up to come away with a 5-3 win against the Houston Aeros at the Toyota Center Thursday night.

Forwards Andre Deveaux (2G, A), Jared Ross (G, 2A) and Spencer Machacek (G, A), led a pack of five Wolves that notched multiple points, while center Riley Holzapfel potted the other goal.

The win puts Chicago (38-28-3-6) in sole possession of fourth place in the West Division with 85 points, two points ahead of the Peoria Rivermen, who hold one game in hand, and the Oklahoma City Barons.

Houston (44-27-1-5) got on board first, 5:28 into the game when left wing Robbie Earl collected a rebound in the paint and popped it past Chicago goaltender Peter Mannino.

The Wolves tied the score at one with a power-play marker when Machacek flicked a shot from the right circle, beating Houston netminder Matt Hackett, glove side, 12:01 into the first frame.

The Wolves tallied again, 14:36 into the opening period to pull ahead, 2-1.

Defenseman Andrey Zubarev fed the puck to Ross, allowing the forward to one time a blast past Hackett.

The Aeros knotted the score, 2-2, when Earl skated into the slot and flipped the puck over Mannino 2:47 into the second period.

Chicago regained the lead, 3-2, 8:01 into the middle frame. Deaveaux shot the puck, which was blocked by Hackett, but Holzapfel skated into the crease to grab the rebound and slide it over the goal line.

The Wolves made their lead 4-2 with their second power-play marker of the night, 1:27 later.

Haydar wrapped around the back of the net and fed the puck to Deveaux, allowing the center to drive it home from the doorstep.

Hackett (21-14-4) stopped 22 shots before being replaced by Josh Tordjman, who recorded 10 saves in 30:32 of relief duty.

Chicago brought the score to 5-2 with their third power-play goal of the night, 11:26 into the final frame.

Pettersson ripped a shot from the left circle that Deveaux deflected into the net.

Houston closed scoring to 5-3 on the power play when center Chad Rau caught the puck on his skate and deflected it behind Mannino, with 2:33 left to play.

Mannino (16-15-4) thwarted 18 shots in his first start since March 5.

The Wolves travel to the Cedar Park Center to take on the Texas Stars on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

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