The Chicago Wolves finished their up-and-down January with a win/loss against in-state foe the Rockford IceHogs, ending/extending their losing streak at three games. Saturday’s game was Chicago’s first after a five game road trip. The team went 2-2-1 away from the Allstate Arena during that time, and 5-5-1-1 overall.
The Wolves enter February locked in a battle for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference, eight points behind the IceHogs. Chicago earned six points out of a possible ten in five January games against Rockford.
“Binny really shut the door in the third period,” said Anderson. “He’s focused, he knows he’s playing, he knows he’s my guy right now and he’s taken the reigns.”
The two teams do not play again until March 15 at the Allstate Arena.
Goaltender Jordan Binnington continued his stretch of starts in net for the Wolves with Matt Climie injured. The 21-year old is 3-2-2 with a .910 save percentage from January 17-31. Wolves head coach John Anderson said that….
“Binny really shut the door in the third period,” said Anderson. “He’s focused, he knows he’s playing, he knows he’s my guy right now and he’s taken the reigns.”
Magnus Paajarvi has continued to show flashes of talent since being loaned to Chicago by their parent club, the St. Louis Blues.
“It’s all about working hard, some confidence, some luck, and confidence from the coach,” said Paajarvi. “Some times it works out and today is a recipe of that.”
Paajarvi has two goals and three assists in nine games with the Wolves.
“I didn’t know he could shoot like that,” said Anderson. “Now I know he can shoot like that…he’s gonna be shooting all the time.”
The Chicago Wolves play eight of their next ten games at home. “Thank goodness,” said Anderson.
Jeff is a production assistant @120Sports and contributor to hockey, football, and baseball for The Sports Bank. Follow him on Twitter @skcih_ffej.