Wolves rally to win at Rockford

ROCKFORD - The Chicago Wolves came back from a 1-0 first period deficit with 3 straight goals and held on to earn a 3-2 victory over the Rockford IceHogs at the Rockford MetroCentre Friday night.

Forwards Joe Motzko (G, 2A) and Jeff Hamilton (G, 2A) led the way with 3 points for Chicago and defenseman Brett Skinner, who was acquired in a trade with the New York Islanders on Tuesday, scored the other goal for the Wolves, who picked up their first win in five tries in Rockford this season.

Rockford (21-16-0-4) recorded the first goal of the night with 2:47 remaining in the opening frame. Defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson broke away with the puck at center ice and passed it to left wing Pascal Pelletier, who skated up the slot and slipped a shot past Chicago goalie Robert Gherson.

Gherson (7-5-0) turned aside 25 of 27 shots in the win.

Chicago (21-19-2-1) drew even at 9:04 of the second period when Motzko collected a pass at the right circle and uncorked a rocket past Rockford goaltender Antti Niemi top shelf.

The Wolves gained the lead, 2-1 while on a two man-advantge at 19:54 of the middle frame. Skinner accepted a cross-ice feed from Hamilton at the door step and roofed a shot past Niemi.

Chicago increased its lead to two on the power play just over one minute into the third period. Defenseman Clay Wilson faked a shot, then slid the puck through the slot to Hamilton who quickly deposited the puck behind Niemi.

Niemi (9-10-0) posted 30 saves on 33 shots.

The IceHogs cut the Wolves lead to 3-2 when blueliner Jimmy Sharrow sent a one-timer past Gherson from the near circle at 17:23 of the final frame but Gherson shut the door the rest of the way.

The Wolves return home Saturday night to take on the Quad City Flames at the Allstate Arena at 7 p.m.