Wolves Beat Admirals, 2-1

MILWAUKEE -- The Chicago Wolves scored two first-period goals and hung on for a 2-1 Amtrak Rivalry win over the Milwaukee Admirals Friday night at the Bradley Center.

Forwards Steve Reinprecht and Mark Mancari each scored for Chicago and goaltender Matt Climie made 30 saves, including 19 in the third period, to lead the team to its third straight victory.

Chicago (24-16-1-3) opened scoring just 18 seconds after the opening faceoff. Defenseman Kevin Connauton's shot from the near point was stopped by Milwaukee goaltender Jeremy Smith, who coughed up a rebound and Reinprecht was at the doorstop to bury the puck home.

The Wolves doubled their lead on the power play at 17:16 of the first period. Right wing Darren Haydar held the puck behind the net and fed Reinprecht in the slot whose shot was stopped Smith but the rebound bounced to the stick of Mancari who flicked a shot past Smith.

Smith (18-12-1) posted 17 saves on 19 shots.

Milwaukee (22-17-1-1) ended Climie's (14-6-0) shutout bid with 4:12 left in the game when the Wolves netminder denied defenseman Victor Bartley's initial shot but he kicked the rebound out to right wing Ryan Thang in the slot who slammed home the Admirals only goal.

The Wolves return to the Allstate Arena after the All-Star break to face off against the Rockford IceHogs in an Illinois Lottery Cup matchup at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3.

-- Chicago Wolves