Box Score | Photos
STOCKTON, Calif. – The Chicago Wolves have pushed the Stockton Heat to the brink following a 3-0 result Wednesday at Stockton Arena, giving the the Wolves a 3-0 series lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference Finals.
The Heat fired 23 shots on Wolves goaltender Alex Lyon, who was equal to the task each time. On the other end, Dustin Wolf turned in a solid performance with 27 saves on 29 shots faced.
The game went scoreless through the first 39 minutes until Richard Panik broke a 0-0 deadlock with 44 seconds remaining in the second frame, then Ivan Lodnia doubled the lead for Chicago 5:45 into the third. Stefan Noesen then punctuated the scoring with an empty netter with 32 seconds remaining.
Stockton will look to stave off elimination in game four, a 7 p.m. puck drop Friday at Stockton Arena.
NOTABLE
- Chicago has scored first in all three games this series. Stockton entered the Western Conference Finals having scored first in all seven games played.
- It’s the first time the Heat have lose three straight all season.
- It’s the fourth time the Heat have been shut out since the start of the season, first since April 23.
SPECIAL TEAMS
STK PP – 0-for-5
STK PK – 4-for-4
THREE STARS
First – Alex Lyon (23 svs, so)
Second – Richard Panik (1g)
Third – Ivan Lodnia (1g)
GOALIES
W – Alex Lyon (23 saves on 23 shots faced)
L – Dustin Wolf (27 saves on 29 shots faced)
UP NEXT
Game Four between the Heat and Wolves will take place Friday at Stockton Arena, a 7 p.m. puck drop.