The Chicago Wolves had the daunting task of playing three games in three nights this past weekend. Despite the unusual scheduling, the Wolves played like a team looking to make a deep playoff run. The team took five of a possible six points. The opponents? Playoff teams from Rockford and division-leading Grand Rapids.
“I’m tired,” said forward Ty Rattie. “Well deserved day off for the boys tomorrow.”
Rattie continues to play like anything but a rookie. His 27 goals ties him for fifth in the AHL, and tops among first year players. His productive weekend helped Chicago earn five out of a possible six points.
“I’m seeing more ice, and getting up and finding the soft, quiet areas,” said Rattie. “It’s been a good stretch, and hopefully I can keep it going.”
Rattie also credits chemistry with linemate Alexandre Bolduc for his scoring success.
Jake Allen continues to shine for Chicago and the St. Louis Blues parent company. Allen picked up two wins over the weekend and is making it look like a prolonged stay with St. Louis is more reality than fiction. He had 41 saves Sunday versus Grand Rapids with his teammates playing very tired hockey. That ties his season high.
‘He got the (championship) belt tonight for the boys, he played good,” said Chicago Wolves coach John Anderson.
The Wolves needed to get as many points as possible over the weekend. A bad weekend could have meant losing home ice in the first round of the playoffs. That being said, the Chicago Wolves still have six games against Western Conference playoff opponents.
Sunday’s game against Grand Rapids marked the Wolves’ first win against the Griffins since January 31. The two split their 10 regular season games. The game included three waved off goals, all of them against the visitors. The Chicago Wolves now have points in 20 of 21 at home.
“You gotta be able to win in your own barn,” said goalie Jake Allen. “I think we’re getting a lot more comfortable playing at home than we did at the beginning of the year, and it’s a big bonus for us.”
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