After the Texas Stars kept their season alive with a two-goal comeback win in overtime on Sunday afternoon, the Chicago Wolves joined them in putting theirs on the line in the winner-take-all fifth game of their Division Semifinals series. Knotted at two games apiece after four very tight games, it would take a big-time effort from either side to keep the dream going.
It might've been Bradly Nadeau's 21st birthday, but he was the one handing out presents early. The Wolves' top line needed just 26 seconds to get it started, with Nadeau finding Ryan Suzuki for a one-timer to start the party immediately. Not satisfied with one goal, the Wolves' captain added another 31 seconds later. Josiah Slavin was in the right spot to deflect one, making it 2-0 in the first minute.
With all of the scoring in the first period done during the opening minute, both sides settled in. Texas got on the board early in the middle frame on a goal by Kole Lind, shrinking the Wolves' advantage back to one. Late in the period, it was two once more. Viktor Neuchev's first goal of the postseason continued a trend of late second-period goals, putting the Wolves 20 minutes away from advancing.
Holding a multi-goal lead for the third period, the Wolves wouldn't let this one slip through their gloves. A failed clearing attempt by the Stars' penalty kill allowed Justin Robidas to hit Suzuki for a one-timer and his second of the game. Suzuki finished his hat trick into the empty net, and Aleksi Heimosalmi added one more for good measure as the Wolves stomped the Stars, 6-1.
The way this series had gone, it was only a matter of time before one team truly broke free with one. Fortunately, that team was the Chicago Wolves. Once again, their depth throughout the lineup proved to be too much. Nadeau added a pair of helpers, contributing to two-thirds of Suzuki's hat trick. Felix Unger Sorum had another assist, and five of the six defensemen finished with a point tonight.
With his three goals, Suzuki momentarily joins a small crew atop the AHL for the most this postseason. His six points tied Texas forward Cameron Hughes for the most in the series. Nadeau was close behind with five points, finishing the series on a four-game point streak. Only one of the 20 skaters who made an appearance for Chicago didn't have a point, that being Charlie Cerrato.
While by no means the cleanest series in the world for Cayden Primeau, he found a way to outduel Remi Poirier enough in five games to get the Wolves into the next round. He was great once again tonight, stopping 25 shots. Primeau finished the series with a .918 save percentage and a 2.27 GAA. Most importantly, he won three games before losing three.
Like the Hurricanes after their sweep, the Wolves must wait patiently for their next opponent. AHL scheduling is truly incredible. Chicago and Texas finished a five-game set, while Grand Rapids and Manitoba have only played twice. If Manitoba pulls off the upset, the Wolves will hold home ice. If Grand Rapids wins, Chicago will host the first two games against the regular-season champs.
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