Paajarvi propels Wolves to seventh straight

HAMILTON, Ontario - Left wing Magnus Paajarvi recorded 4 points to help lead the Chicago Wolves to a season-high seven-game winning streak thanks to a 4-2 triumph over the Hamilton Bulldogs on Thursday night at the FirstOntario Centre.

Paajarvi became the first Wolves player since the 2012-13 season to record 4 points in a game as he collected 2 goals and 2 assists. His linemates Pat Cannone (goal, 2 assists) and Shane Harper (goal, assist) rounded out the scoring as the Wolves (36-25-6-1) matched their longest winning streak since February 2010.

Wolves goalie Matt Climie (14-12-3) earned the win with 31 saves.

The Wolves opened scoring early when they netted a first-period goal for the sixth consecutive game. Taking advantage of the lively end boards, Wolves defenseman Jani Hakanpaa's shot from the point bounced behind the net to Paajarvi, whose swat at the rebound banked off goaltender Mike Condon and a 1-0 lead at 10:22.

Paajarvi collected his second of the night 7:03 into the middle period to give the Wolves a 2-goal lead. Going up against multiple Bulldogs defenders, the forward broke into the offensive zone on a rush with Harper. He attempted a cross-crease pass to his linemate, but the puck deflected off a Hamilton skate and into the net.

The Wolves pushed their lead to 3 early in the third as Harper potted his 30th of the season, reclaiming the league lead in goals among active players. He accepted a pass from Paajarvi and buried a shot top-corner at 4:10.

The Bulldogs (32-26-11-0) spoiled Climie's shutout bid at 48:16 as they got on the board with a tally by T.J. Hensick. A puck skipped over a Wolves defender's stick right to Hensick, who deposited a backhander over Climie's glove.

The Wolves regained a 3-goal cushion on the lone power play of the night. Paajarvi drew the Bulldogs and Condon towards him before sending a quick feed across the ice for Cannone, who tapped it into the gaping net.

The Bulldogs put up a late fight and cut the score to 4-2 with Condon on the bench and an extra attacker. A rebound bounced out to center Charles Hudon low in the faceoff circle for the 6-on-5 marker.

Condon (21-16-6) stopped 36 shots.

The Wolves return to Allstate Arena in Rosemont on Saturday for a 7 p.m. tilt with Texas.