When the Chicago Wolves and the Texas Stars met to open their series on Tuesday night, neither team could buy a goal. The Wolves really couldn't, getting shut out, 2-0, by Remi Poirier after only mustering 16 shots. It was a disappointing start to the series, putting even more pressure on the Wolves to come out of Game 2 with a win.
The first goal in Game 1 didn't come until early in the third period. On Thursday, it only took 44 seconds. Texas' Matthew Seminoff got the party started with a short-side snipe, putting the Wolves in an early hole. It began 20 minutes of back-and-forth play, with the sides trading goals. Both of Chicago's goals came from the defense, but the Stars led 3-2 after 20 minutes.
While they were behind, it was a positive sign to see the offense getting into the series. Midway through the second period, they drew even on Noel Gunler's tally, and Juuso Valimaki picked up his second of the game with just under three minutes to go, giving Chicago its first lead of the series. It lasted all of 2:17 before the Stars tied it again with 30 seconds left in the middle frame.
Neither team capitalized on a pair of power plays in the third period, including a late Ivan Ryabkin tripping penalty, sending them to overtime for the first time, where the next goal could go a long way in determining the series. In stepped Domenick Fensore. Ryan Suzuki put a pass in the slot for Fensore to skate into and snap past Poirier to win the game and even the series.
The Wolves' defense scored four of the team's five goals, led by Valimaki's pair and Fensore's winner, and finished with seven points. 13 of the team's 18 skaters had a point, including assists for Suzuki and Ryabkin on the game-winner, and Bradly Nadeau and Justin Robidas on the power play. Most importantly, they nearly doubled their shot total from the first game, finishing with 31 on Thursday.
With their win in Game 2, Chicago did exactly what they needed to do. They earned the split in Texas, sending the series back to Illinois for the duration and giving the Wolves home ice advantage. The sides are guaranteed two more games, coming on Saturday night and Sunday during the late afternoon. Should the series go the distance, Game 5 would be on Tuesday.
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