Pinizzotto powers Wolves to 2-1 win

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Chicago Wolves rebounded from Sunday’s loss to the Charlotte Checkers with a 2-1 victory Tuesday night in front of 4,404 at Time Warner Cable Arena.

Center Steve Pinizzotto delivered his first 2 goals for the Wolves — his first goals in a regular-season game since April 1, 2011 — to pull Chicago (7-3-1-0) into a tie with Charlotte for most points in the American Hockey League with 15.

Goaltender Eddie Lack (6-2-0) stopped 24 shots to earn the win.

Left wing Chris Terry opened the scoring for the Checkers 12:44 into the first period, tipping a pass from Bobby Sanguinetti past Lack.

The Wolves opened the second period with a response as Pinizzotto, who missed the entire 2011-12 season with an injury, got his first goal by beating Checkers goaltender Dan Ellis (3-2-1) glove side at 1:04.

Then it was Pinizzotto again, pouncing on another rebound at the foot of Ellis and tipping it home at 12:50. The 2-1 edge was the first Wolves lead through 92 minutes of play in the two-game series.

Zack Kassian tried to increase Chicago’s advantage moments later, shooting a puck past Ellis from a scrum in front of the Charlotte net, but the goal was waved off due to goalie interference.

A second near-score by the Wolves, this time from Darren Haydar, was called back late in the third period because of a hand pass.

Charlotte pulled Ellis with more than a minute left in regulation for an extra attacker, but the third period closed without a score and the Wolves carried their 2-1 lead to the buzzer.

The Wolves posted a season-high 43 shots as Ellis finished with 41 saves.

Chicago will continue its road swing Friday with an Amtrak Rivalry game at Milwaukee. Chicago will be back at Allstate Arena on Saturday, Nov. 17, to host the Peoria Rivermen in an Illinois Lottery Cup game.