Pavelec stars in net as Wolves earn 51st win

The Atlanta Thrashers are in a situation every NHL team would love to be in.

Not only do they have one potential all-star goalie under age 25 in starter Kari Lehtonen (24), they also have a second in the Chicago Wolves' 20-year-old Ondrej Pavelec.

Sunday, Pavelec continued to show why Lehtonen isn't guaranteed to be the Thrashers' starter next season.

Pavelec stopped 36 shots and recorded his second shutout of the season as the Wolves defeated the Quad City Flames 3-0 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, their 51st win of the season.

"He's taken the bull by the horns this season for us," said Wolves coach John Anderson. "When he makes a big save, he picks up the whole bench."

As he threw his body around the net Sunday, Pavelec had plenty of those type of saves against the Flames. With the Wolves' offense struggling through the first two periods, taking 20 shots and scoring just 1 goal in that time, Pavelec kept the game close.

It was what Anderson hoped to see as he set out to test Pavelec with his second start in less than 24 hours. On Saturday night, Pavelec made 25 saves in a win at Peoria.

"I know this is what the playoffs are going to be like with five games in six days," Pavelec said. "It's going to be tough on everyone, especially me. I like playing back-to-back … especially if we win."

Joe Motzko scored the Wolves' first 2 goals. Scott Lehman added the third.

The Wolves (51-20-2-3) announced their first two AHL playoff games will be at home April 16 and 18, against an opponent to be determined.