MILWAUKEE — Two third-period goals by the Milwaukee Admirals proved too much for the Chicago Wolves to handle as they fell to their division rivals 4-3 Thursday night at the Bradley Center.

Forwards Andrew Gordon, Jordan Schroeder and Darren Haydar were the goal-scorers for Chicago (14-12-3-1), which lost for the fourth time in five games.

Gordon took advantage of a communication breakdown early between Admirals goaltender Jeremy Smith (12-11-1) and his defense, pouncing on a loose puck left of Smith and firing a one-timer for his sixth of the season at 11:28.

Milwaukee (16-13-2-1) didn’t let the early deficit phase them though, charging back with a score of their own from defenseman Victor Bartley at 13:26.

Tied at one at the close of the first period, the Admirals went back to work early on Climie in the second frame. Left wing Kevin Henderson rifled a shot over the goalie’s glove to make it 2-1 Milwaukee at 3:54.

Climie (6-11-0) stopped 24 of 28 shots.

With the Admirals ahead the Wolves used the night’s first power play to their advantage, as Schroeder beat Smith high at the 7:17 mark.

Tied at two with seconds left in the second frame, Haydar got the go-ahead goal for Chicago, a snipe past Smith at 19:51. Andrew Ebbett had the assist.

The Wolves started the period with a lead but the Admirals Mark Van Guilder quickly evened the score 4:56 into the third. Milwaukee center Austin Watson added the game winner at 18:27.

Chicago will return to the Allstate Arena at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 5 to face off against the Grand Rapids Griffins.

–Chicago Wolves