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Chicago Wolves clinch spot in Calder Cup Playoffs

Not only are the Vegas Golden Knights going to the postseason, but the Chicago Wolves are also playoff bound. The Wolves clinched after a 5-1 decision against the Milwaukee Admirals. That victory also clinched a spot for the two teams behind the Wolves in the Central Division — the Manitoba Moose and Grand Rapids Griffins.

Scooter Vaughan, Jake Bischoff, Jason Garrison, Brett Sterling and Wade Megan all scored for the Wolves in the win. Bischoff’s goal was the game-winner, his third of the kind. That was unassisted.

The other goals had assists from future Vegas Golden Knights Keegan Kolesar, Nicolas Hague and Tomas Hyka. Philip Holm, Paul Thompson, Teemu Pulkkinen and Stefan Matteau also netted assists. Oscar Dansk collected the win, allowing just one goal, one he couldn’t possibly save after getting his legs taken out.

“It’s obviously a special thing for this group,” said head coach Rocky Thompson. “From where they came from, to where they are. Last night, after a tough loss, we were able to reflect on what really matters… you put into perspective those things, and our guys came to work today, worked extremely hard. I’m extremely proud of their effort and how they played as a team.”

In November and early December, the Wolves were at the bottom of the division. They’ve quickly transformed themselves into one of the hottest teams in the AHL, and have the second-best goals against and goals for in their division.

The Wolves have several games remaining in their regular season schedule. Those games will impact the seeding, as the Wolves currently stand one point up on both Grand Rapids and Manitoba. They’ll need to win as many games as possible down the stretch against the Admirals, Rockford Ice Hogs, and the Moose.