Welsh wins it for Wolves in OT
Jeremy Welsh's rebound goal 1:44 into overtime lifted the Chicago Wolves to a 3-2 victory over the Milwaukee Admirals on Saturday night at the Allstate Arena.
Forwards Ty Rattie and Adam Cracknell also scored for the Wolves (33-25-6-1), who extended their winning streak to four games and clinched a share of the Amtrak Rivalry trophy that goes to the winner of the 12-game season series between Chicago and Milwaukee.
Welsh assisted on both goals, while Matt Climie rejected 29 shots, including a breakaway chance early in overtime, to keep the Wolves climbing in the Western Conference playoff race.
"Climie made some unbelievable saves," Wolves coach John Anderson said. "It's about us getting 2 points. We're gaining ground on people."
Milwaukee (32-25-6-5) opened the scoring with Richard Clune's short-handed goal 8:12 into the game. The Wolves lost control of the puck at center ice, Clune steamed off for a breakaway and rifled a shot over Climie's blocker.
Rattie made it 1-1 at 16:23 of the first with his 20th goal of the season. Defenseman Brendan Bell controlled the puck along the left half-wall and flung it toward the net. It ricocheted off a Milwaukee defenseman's skate into the right circle for Rattie, who beat goaltender Magnus Hellberg as he tried to shift from post to post.
The Wolves took the lead 5:07 into the second period as crisp passing launched Cracknell into the offensive zone with speed. He fed a pass into the slot for Welsh, who returned the favor with a no-look backhand pass that found Cracknell open in the slot for a quick wrister past Hellberg's glove.
The Admirals knotted it at 2-2 with 2:57 left in regulation. A strong forecheck gave Milwaukee's Zach Budish along the right half-wall and he slung the puck top-shelf on the short side over Climie's glove.
The Wolves claimed the win on Welsh's 17th goal and third in the last two days against Milwaukee. Defenseman Joel Edmundson launched a shot from the right point that Rattie tipped in the slot. It also bounced off an Admirals defenseman before heading to the crease for Welsh to tap home without a challenge.
Climie (12-12-3) ran his winning streak to two games, while Hellberg (15-9-5) stopped 17 of 20 shots.
The Wolves host the Iowa Wild at 3 p.m. Sunday for Peanut Allergy Awareness Day. Section 116 will be power-washed and cleaned to ensure those battling nut allergies can enjoy the game without worry.