The Chicago Wolves have one player to thank for their series tie, goaltender Eddie Lack. Lack was Jacob Markstrom’s backup in 2009-10 with Brynas, and stopped all but one of the 31 shots he faced. The Rampage outplayed the Wolves with a 31-15 shot differential, but a pair of goals by former Panthers and Rampage forward Steven Reinprecht knotted the series at two. Recap and post-game thoughts after the jump.
The Rampage got on the board early with their only goal of the night coming from Michael Caruso, his first career postseason goal just 43 seconds into the game. Jon Matsumoto was credited with the lone assist, breaking a Rampage record for franchise playoff points; he also leads the AHL in postseason points. San Antonio completed the first period by severely outshooting the Wolves 16-4, with Chicago’s first shot coming almost 13 minutes in. The Rampage had three powerplay opportunities in the first period.
The second period was a defensive affair with both teams combining for just 14 shots (San Antonio had 8). Rampage captain Nolan Yonkman was sent to the penalty box for roughing late in the period; seven seconds later Reinprecht nabbed his first postseason goal, which came on a redirected pass from Wolves captain Nolan Baumgartner.
Chicago took the lead for good in the third when Reinprecht again scored, this time at at the 12 minute mark, shooting just over the right shoulder of Rampage goalie Dov Grumet-Morris. Wolves forward Tim Miller potted the empty-net goal with just 29 seconds left in the game, which tied the series.
Grumet-Morris allowed two goals on 14 shots (.857 Sv%).
Post-game interview
April 25, 2012 vs. Chicago Wolves (via sarampage)
Next up: Deciding game five will be Friday in Allstate Arena/Chicago, 8 p.m. ET (KTRK 760 AM)