MILWAUKEE, Wisc – The Chicago Wolves heard head coach Don Lever’s message about improving on their disappointing performance in Game Three of their opening round series against the Milwaukee Admirals. With a 1-0 win, Chicago took a commanding 3-1 lead in the series with a chance to cap things off Wednesday night at home.
Both teams came out playing hard in Game Four. But unlike the last several games, the matchup was clean. The game flowed quickly, with just two penalties called in each period. Fourteen minutes into the second frame, right wing Spencer Machacek chased the puck to the near corner and fought hard to take it away from the defender on the solid forecheck. Quickly he got control of the puck and backhanded it towards the net that somehow got passed the screened Admirals netminder Mark Dekanich for the only mark of the night.
It also was the only point scored on the night, because the goal was unassisted. “It was a grind,” said Lever. “Both teams tried to play a mistake-free game. I liked the way we responded and showed our character.”
Wolves netminder Peter Mannino was stellar in goal, earning his second shutout in four playoff games. He faced 28 shots straight on. Dekanich also had another great game, shutting down the Wolves for more than four and a-half periods while stopping 24 of the 25 shots he faced tonight.
The Admirals took another hit as Game Three hero Blake Geoffrion went off the ice with what looks like a leg injury. His status is unknown for the next game.
Three Stars were: Spencer Machacek (Chicago), Third Star with the game winner; Mark Dekanich (Milwaukee), Second Star allowing one goal; and Peter Mannino (Chicago), First Star with his second shutout.
West Division Semifinal – Series “G” (best-of-7) W1-Chicago Wolves vs. W4-Milwaukee Admirals Game 1 – Wed., Apr. 14 – Milwaukee 5 at Chicago 6 Game 2 – Fri., Apr. 16 – Milwaukee 0 at Chicago 3 Game 3 – Sat., Apr. 17 – Chicago 0 at Milwaukee 6 Game 4 – Mon., Apr. 19 – Chicago 1 at Milwaukee 0 Game 5 – Wed., Apr. 21 – Milwaukee at Chicago, 7:00 *Game 6 – Fri., Apr. 23 – Chicago at Milwaukee, 7:00 *Game 7 – Mon., Apr. 26 – Milwaukee at Chicago, 7:00
Chicago Wolves leads series 3-1
Contact Matt.Chin@prohockeynews.com
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