Wolves: Three games in three days
The Chicago Wolves are a bit surprised that they're off to the hottest start in franchise history.
They're even more surprised that their great start hasn't distanced them from the rest of the pack.
Despite having 11 wins and only 1 overtime loss in their first 12 games, the Wolves aren't in a position to get complacent. Four teams in the Western Conference's West Division are within 6 points.
With three games in three days beginning with tonight's game at Iowa, the Wolves understand they must continue to win.
"There's no easy games out there," said Wolves coach John Anderson, whose team plays at the Allstate Arena on Saturday and Sunday. "You'd think after the start we've had we'd be way ahead of everybody. It's still tight. Right now, if you have 2 losses, you'd be right in the middle of the pack."
The Wolves aren't all that different from their team a year ago. Their offensive firepower isn't as explosive as it was then, but they can still score. Their defense is more defensive-minded, but it wasn't as if last year's was awful.
The one and only area that seems to have changed is the team's goaltending.
"You look at who we lost and we have a lot of the same guys back, but it really comes down to our goalies," Wolves veteran Steve Martins said. "If you look on the whole, we haven't changed our system. More than anything, it comes down to that our goaltenders have been outstanding."
It began with 20-year-old rookie Ondrej Pavelec. He allowed 2 goals in his first two games, and the Wolves won both. When Pavelec was called up to Atlanta, 34-year-old veteran Fred Brathwaite took over and was just as good. Brathwaite has won eight of his nine starts with the lone loss being a 1-0 overtime defeat vs. Milwaukee.
"I think he's got something to prove," Martins said of Brathwaite. "He wants to show he's got some goaltending left in him. I think he still wants to get to the NHL. I don't think they gave him a good chance in Atlanta."
Brathwaite's backup, Robert Gherson, even stepped up in his first game on Sunday. He made 24 saves and stopped four of five Rochester shooter chances, allowing the Wolves to prevail 2-1.
No coaching decision: Wolves coach John Anderson hasn't heard any word from Atlanta Thrashers general manager Don Waddell on the team's coaching opening.
Wolves veteran Steve Martins, who has played for six different NHL teams, believes Anderson has what it takes to coach at the highest level.
"I've dealt with so many coaches that make it hard for you to enjoy," Martins said. "Johnny, whether giving you an optional practice or knowing how you feel physically or mentally, we have to enjoy it because who knows how long it will last. I've said it all along I don't know what else he has to prove. His record speaks for itself.
"I really hope someone gives him a chance. I think he's great. He's obviously played the game and he understands what's going on with us. He's a huge believer in the team being first with anything. He'll go to bat for us before he'll even do it for his family."