Wolves Overpowered 4-1 In Rochester

ROCHESTER, N.Y. --- The Chicago Wolves could not maintain the offensive outburst they enjoyed on Sunday as they fell to the Rochester Americans 4-1 Wednesday night at Blue Cross Arena.

Center Adam Cracknell tallied the lone goal for Chicago in his third game for the Wolves while goaltender Jake Allen (17-11-2) stopped 18 of 21 shots.

The Wolves (23-16-2-2) started quickly as they dented the net just 15 seconds into the game, the team's fastest opening goal of the season. Following a faceoff win, Chicago collected itself in its own zone before starting the breakout. Cracknell carried the puck up the wall before dishing it to Ty Rattie, who handed it back to Cracknell in front of the net for a tap-in and the center's first goal in a Wolves uniform.

Rochester (20-15-3-3) answered minutes later to tie the game 1-1. Center Kevin Porter picked off the puck at the far blue line and took off on a breakaway. With no Wolves players between him and Allen, Porter went top-shelf to knot the score at 5:13.

The Americans scored again in similar fashion to take the lead with five minutes remaining in the second period. Right wing Alex Hutchings stole the puck at the blue line and moved in alone on net. Hutchings deked and went to the backhand to slip the puck through Allen's five-hole.

Defenseman Brayden McNabb cushioned the lead for the Americans with a power-play marker early in the third period. With Rochester on a 4-on-3 man-advantage, McNabb pinched into the middle of the zone and snapped a shot just inside the post.

Left wing Colton Gillies sealed the win with an empty-net goal with 43 seconds remaining. Americans goaltender Nathan Lieuwen (9-6-1) made 19 saves to pick up the win.

Chicago closes out a five-game road trip at 6 p.m. Friday at Grand Rapids.

Chicago Wolves