Wolves Notch 500th AHL Victory With 3-0 Shutout
PEORIA, Ill. -- Right wing Darren Haydar's three-point night and goaltender Matt Climie's 38-save shutout led the Chicago Wolves to the franchise's 500th American Hockey League victory, a 3-0 victory over the Peoria Rivermen Saturday night at Carver Arena.
The Wolves became just the 22nd team in the AHL's 77-year history to earn 500 victories and they did it the fastest of any squad, needing just 925 regular-season games to achieve the feat.
Haydar, center Andrew Ebbett and left wing Devin DiDiomete all scored for Chicago, while defenseman Kevin Connauton earned two assists in the Illinois Lottery Cup contest.
After 40 minutes of scoreless hockey, Chicago (26-14-4-3) wasted no time breaking open the scoring. Haydar was first, potting a wrap around goal on Peoria (23-23-4-3) netminder Jake Allen 1:50 into the third frame.
Ebbett, who assisted on Haydar's tally, lit the lamp next, capitalizing on a gaping net at 3:01.
Leading 2-0 early in the period, Chicago didn't relent. Haydar and DiDiomete played a game of give-and-go on Allen's doorstep and DiDiomete's wrister beat the netminder down low at 5:28.
Allen (12-17-1) kicked out 31 shots in the loss.
Three goals would be all the offense the Wolves needed as Climie (14-13-2) closed the door on Peoria.
Chicago returns to the Allstate Arena at 3 p.m. on Sunday for another Illinois Lottery Cup meeting against the Rockford IceHogs.
-Chicago Wolves
