Wolves power down the Stars

CEDAR PARK, Texas — The Chicago Wolves powered their way to a decisive 5-3 win over the Texas Stars, taking a two games to one lead in the series and regaining home ice advantage.
The Wolves took advantage of several untimely Stars’ penalties, scoring three power play goals on six attempts. They also took advantage of the fact that one of the Stars’ best penalty killers and offensive defenseman, Garrett Stafford, was suspended by the AHL for three games for his actions in game two in Chicago.
The Stars got on the board first with a goal from Perttu Lindgren just under three minutes into the game. It was the sixth time in seven playoff games that the Stars scored first. But the lead didn’t last long.
The Stars were whistled for back-to-back delay of game penalties, both leading to power play goals. The Wolves’ Spencer Machacek tied the game at the 5:46 mark, then Nathan Oystrick gave the Wolves the lead three minutes later.

Not to be outdone, the Stars scored a power play goal of their own when Aaron Gagnon beat Wolves’ goaltender Peter Mannino to tie the game at two. But that was as close as the Stars would come and their only power play goal in four tries.
Chicago retook the lead five minutes into period two on a Brett Sterling goal. They extended the lead to two goals with their third power play marker and Oystrick’s second goal of the game. The Stars were stifled by the Wolves’ defense, only able to get off two shots on goal in the entire second period
Stars’ goaltender Matt Clime made his first playoff appearance in seven games, replacing a tired and worn out Brent Krahn. He gave up a goal to Machacek, his second, and the Wolves had an insurmountable three goal lead.
Texas tried to come back when Lindgren scored his second goal of the game with five minutes left. But it was too little, too late. It was Texas’ first home loss of the playoffs and first ever playoff loss at the Cedar Park Center.
Games four and five will be in Cedar Park Wednesday and Friday night, with the, if necessary, games back in Chicago.
Contact mitch.cooper@prohockeynews.com