Chicago Wolves 4 at GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS 1

Jan. 21, 2011

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Darren Haydar and the AHL’s second-ranked power play scored the game-winning goal on Chicago’s lone opportunity at 3:08 of the third before adding two empty-net tallies, as the Wolves handed the Grand Rapids Griffins a 4-1 loss Friday at Van Andel Arena.

The Griffins (20-20-1-4) and Wolves (23-19-2-3) will face off again on Saturday at 8 p.m., marking the final time this season Grand Rapids will host Chicago.

Grand Rapids appeared to strike first 2:50 into the second period, but the puck was ruled to have been tipped in by the high stick of Willie Coetzee. Just minutes later at 6:05, Jamie Johnson got the Griffins on the board by crashing the net and redirecting a centering pass from Cory Emmerton past Chicago netminder Drew MacIntyre.

The lead was short-lived, however, as Spencer Machacek put one between the pads of Joey MacDonald from the slot off a behind-the-net feed from Riley Holzapfel at 8:28, making it a 1-1 game at the second intermission.

Greg Amadio was whistled off for the first penalty of the game at 2:51 of the third on a tripping minor, and the Wolves wasted no time in taking advantage of the opportunity. Just 17 seconds in, Haydar snapped a rebound by MacDonald’s blocker at 3:08.

With MacDonald pulled in the closing minutes, Chicago capped off its victory with empty net goals from Michael Davies at 19:10 and Holzapfel at 19:50.

MacDonald finished with 23 saves while MacIntyre, the former Griffin, made 35 stops for the win.

Three Stars: 1. CHI MacIntyre (W, 35 saves); 2. GR MacDonald (L, 23 saves); 3. CHI Haydar (GW goal)