Binnington's Shutout Fuels Wolves At Utica

UTICA, N.Y. – Faced with a challenge from a Utica team that owned the American Hockey League's best record and fewest goals allowed, the Chicago Wolves came through with a 3-0 victory Wednesday night at the Memorial Auditorium.

Forwards Ty Rattie, Terry Broadhurst and Pat Cannone scored the goals for the Wolves (9-2-2-0) while first-year goaltender Jordan Binnington (4-1-1) rejected all 30 shots he faced to earn his first AHL shutout.

Chicago has won four games in a row – all on the road in an eight-day stretch.

Despite being outshot 20-4 in the game's first 26 minutes, the Wolves opened the scoring when Rattie converted a breakaway at 6:55 of the second period. Rattie's backcheck set up the play as Pat Cannone corralled the loose puck and fed it to Philip McRae, who threaded a pass down the middle to Rattie. The team's leading goal-scorer deked Utica goaltender Joacim Eriksson and beat him with a backhand flip over his glove.

The Wolves pushed their advantage to 2-0 with Broadhurst's power-play goal at 18:47 of the second. Defenseman Petteri Lindbohm carried the puck along the left boards and spied Shane Harper, who wiggled down the slot and slid a backhand pass to Broadhurst for a one-timer from the right circle.

Chicago added an insurance goal with 3:45 to go as Cannone slapped home a one-timer from the slot on the power play. McRae set him up with a centering pass from the bottom of the right circle and Brent Sopel also picked up an assist.

Utica (10-2-2-0) got 16 saves from Eriksson (4-2-1) in the loss.

Chicago's nine-game road trip continues a 6 p.m. game Friday at Utica. The Wolves return to Allstate Arena on Saturday, Nov. 22, for Epilepsy Awareness Night, presented by Heidenhain, featuring a free commemorative Wendell Young T-shirt for the first 2,500 fans. To save money on Flex Packs or Howliday season specials, call 1-800-THE-WOLVES or visit ChicagoWolves.com.

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