Ice Dogs Blow Big Early Lead, Lose in Sudden-Death Shootout

Tim Breslin’s sudden-death shootout goal gave the Chicago Wolves a 6-5 victory over the Ice Dogs on Wednesday night before an announced 1,821 at the Sports Arena.

Chicago (38-33-8) overcame a three-goal deficit in the third period. The shootout ended in a 1-1 tie, forcing a sudden-death shootout. Breslin scored on the Wolves’ first try, but the Ice Dogs’ Jozef Cierny had his attempt blocked.

Todd Gillingham took a few lumps for the Ice Dogs and it nearly took the Ice Dogs closer to the playoffs.

Certainly his goal and assist were important in helping the Ice Dogs to a 5-2 lead, but the first-period fight he started may have had just as much impact.

Gillingham checked Chicago’s Steve Maltais into the boards with enough gusto that Maltais lost his helmet and his ensuing cross-check retaliation drew him a game misconduct. So, only five minutes into the game, Chicago was without its captain and leading goal scorer.

The Ice Dogs (32-33-14) remain in eighth place in the IHL’s Western Conference playoff race. With three games left, the Ice Dogs are one point behind Phoenix and one point ahead of Peoria.