Wolves 3, Barons 0
The Chicago Wolves rebounded from a big loss in Houston on Friday with an even bigger win at Oklahoma City Barons on Saturday night, defeating the Barons 3-0 at Cox Convention Center.
Chicago goaltender Matt Climie had a hard time handling the Houston Aeros the night before and was replaced by back-up Joe Cannata midway through the game after giving up four goals. But he was on point against the Barons (34-24-2-8), who outshot the Wolves 31-25.
Climie's sixth shutout of the year ties the Wolves franchise record set by Wendell Young for most shutouts in a season.
Defense proved to be the best offense early for Chicago (34-25-5-4). Defenseman Danny Groulx opened scoring at 1:21 of the first period by beating goaltender Niko Hovinen glove side with a blast from the top of the circle.
Another defenseman, Jim Vandermeer, scored on an assist from forward Jordan Schroeder at 11:31. The assist marked Schroeder's fifth straight game with a point.
There were plenty of opportunities but no goals again until late in the third when Guillaume Desbiens fired an empty net score at 18:05. The Barons pulled Hovinen with 2:28 to play in the game but even with the sixth man, they didn't score again.
The Wolves remained in a dogfight for a playoff spot with their Midwest division rival Milwaukee Admirals and Rockford IceHogs. The Wolves have been on the road since Tuesday and will continue the trip until they return to the Allstate Arena on April 13.
