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The Stockton Heat face one of their biggest challenges of the year in their Western Conference Finals against the Chicago Wolves. They fell 2-0 down in their first games in Chicago last Friday and Monday. They then headed home to kick off the third game and home advantage on the ice wasn’t enough to add some momentum to this series. They fell 3-0 at Stockton Arena and fall 3-0 in the best-of-seven series.
Early goalie fight
It took some time for that game to get going as they had played almost two thirds of hockey before anyone could find the back of the net. 44 seconds before the end of the second period, the Wolves scored the first goal and took this lead into the second break. That goal came on a quick tic-tac-toe pitch that easily defeated Wolf with a quick, well-placed shot.
Alexa, play panic at the disco. 🕺#WeAreChicagosTeam pic.twitter.com/0SIHpdeXSm
— z – Chicago Wolves (@Chicago_Wolves) June 9, 2022
By the end of the second period, play was within reason, with shots tied at 18 to one side and the Heat just one deficit.
The third period created a bigger gap between those two, with Wolves following their lead goal by another 5:45 into the third period, with a Chicago skater staring at a wide-open net.
Turned up + turned up. 🚨#WeAreChicagosTeam pic.twitter.com/MvS5AZwppt
— z – Chicago Wolves (@Chicago_Wolves) June 9, 2022
Stockton couldn’t really make an effort to come back in this game as they only conceded five shots in the entire third period. This was their smallest number of shots in an all night period and it couldn’t have come at a worse time.
Wolves secured the win with 32 seconds remaining from an empty net and the Heat dropped their third straight game of the series. Their season could now end as early as Friday night if they aren’t able to pull off some sort of comeback in the next few games.
The final score was 3-0, with Wolves topping the run 30-23.
Quiet achievers
It was promising to see some Flames call-ups return to the Heat roster in time for this series, but has their impact really been felt? There are some worrying production flaws for some of the best shooters the Heat roster has to offer, and that plays a big part in the lack of success they’ve had in three games.
Jakob Pelletier, Matthew Phillips and Glenn Gawdin are all yet to book a point in this series and Adam Ruzicka hasn’t even dressed for the Heat in the last two games. A very unfortunate time for major productions when they are so close to hitting another milestone this season.
Friday night must be won
The Heat will have to pull out all the stops later this week if they want to continue their franchise season any longer. They are one game away from elimination and need four straight wins to reach the final of the Calder Cup. Wolves will stay in Stockton and prepare for Game Four on Friday, which could potentially take them to the final round of the playoffs. Game time is 8:00 PM MT.
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