POWER SURGE – Chicago Wolves

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No team in the league has been better on the power play than the Wolves, who are on fire with a man advantage.

The Wolves have scored at least one power-play goal in 10 consecutive games and top the American Hockey League with a 26.5 percent success rate.

“Our power play has been clicking for us,” coach Dave Barr said. “It’s won us games and it’s kept us in games.”

Chicago has found the back of the net 26 times in 98 power-play opportunities. The Wolves are especially lethal while on the road, topping the AHL with a 28.3 percentage (13 for 46). At Allstate Arena, they stand fourth at 25.0 percent (13 for 52).

“The group is getting into their positions quickly,” Barr said. “They’re feeling good about what they’re doing and confidence is a huge part of it.”

Rocco Grimaldi is tied for the AHL lead with seven power-play goals while Chris Terry has notched five, including a marker during the Wolves’ 7-4 loss to the Admirals on Wednesday night in Milwaukee. Defenseman Matt Donovan is tied for second in the league with 11 assists with an extra skater.

“The part that gets overlooked sometimes is that we’re working,” Barr said. “The thing is, sometimes when you have an extra player on the ice there’s a belief you don’t have to work as hard. But we’re working hard to get loose pucks back and to get to the front of the net. That’s a big reason why we’re scoring goals.”

WAGNER REWARDED FOR STRONG PLAY

After joining the Wolves on a Professional Tryout Contract over the summer, Ryan Wagner earned himself a Standard Player Contract, inking the deal on Dec. 13.

The forward has been a stalwart on the Wolves’ fourth line with his scrappiness and play-making ability. Wagner has three goals and two assists in 21 games and sports a sparkling 21.4 shooting percentage.

“It’s nice to finally put pen to paper but it doesn’t really change anything—I’m going to play my game,” Wagner, 27, said. “I’m here to help the team any way I can, whether I’m on the fourth line and with whatever minutes I’m getting. I want to play my part in helping this team succeed.”

Wagner began his professional career with parts of two seasons with the Wolves from 2017-19 before…