It’s amazing how much things can change in 24 hours, The Chicago Wolves needed to win this game and that's exactly what they did. Going back to Chicago down 2-0 in the series wouldn't have been a complete nail in the coffin but it only takes three wins to go onto the next round. This was the team most were expecting to show up in game one, guess they wanted to add a little drama to the playoffs?
Each period featured a goal as both sides were up for a battle the moment the puck dropped. It was Alex Friesen who opened things up for the Wolves after a great feed from Samuel Blais. This wasn't the only time we heard from Blais who got a goal himself with a beautiful wrist shot that beat Tom McCollum clean. The 20 year old continues to be special player to watch. Not to be outdone rookie center Adam Musil also had himself a two point game. After being credited with an assist on the Blais goal, the former Red Deer Rebel captain got the winning goal for the Wolves. It wasn't anything you’d see in a greatest goals package but it didn't need to be. Musil positioned himself near the net and was in the right place at the right time. That’s the kind of goals that are oh so important in the playoffs. The Czech/Canadian dual national gets his first goal as a professional in a big way.
But it wasn't all about the goals, the goaltending battle was one of the more interesting things to watch. Both Ville Husso and Tom McCollum showed up for their teams as the shots came in at a much more rapid pace tonight. In comparison the shot on goal differential Thursday was 27-20 in favor of the Charlotte Checkers. Friday’s shot on goal difference was 39-35 once again in favor of Charlotte.
Roster wise the only change was Jake Walman was a healthy scratch in favor for veteran James Wisnewski. The series continues Sunday afternoon at 2:00 pm. Since the Wolves are the higher seed they elected to play the first two games on the road. The final three games will be played at home in Chicago.