The Chicago Wolves will host the Iowa Wild on Thursday, February 19, at the Allstate Arena in what promises to be a tightly contested AHL game. The matchup, starting at 11:00 AM CST and available on FLO Sports, sets the Wolves, who have a strong 24-11-5-5 record, against the Wild, struggling with a 13-28-4-1 record. This Chicago Wolves game preview highlights the teams’ current form and the key players likely to influence the outcome.
Current Form and Season Performance of the Iowa Wild
Recently, the Iowa Wild have faced difficulties, having been swept by the Springfield Thunderbirds over the past weekend, conceding 14 goals while scoring 9. Their February record stands at 1-2-0-0, with an average of 4.7 goals scored per game but allowing 5.3 on average, indicating defensive challenges. Against Chicago this season, they hold a 3-2-0-0 record but are scoring just 1.4 goals per game in those contests.
Chicago Wolves’ Recent Results and Season Stats
The Chicago Wolves have competed in four games this month, all against the Colorado Eagles, achieving a 3-1-0-0 record. They are averaging 3.3 goals per game while giving up slightly more at 3.5. Against Iowa this season, the Wolves have a 2-1-1-1 record and a higher scoring average of 2.2 goals per game, suggesting a more consistent offensive output in this rivalry.
Expected Lineups for the Iowa Wild
The Wild’s projected forward lines include Heidt, Jones, and Aube Kubel, followed by Gambrell, Haight, and Pitlick, with Olausson, Bankier, and Sandelin completing the main offensive trios. The defensive pairings are expected to be Kierstad with Jiricek, Lambos with Gleason, and Zmolek with Peart. Petersen and Rousseau are set as goaltenders.
Projected Lineup for the Chicago Wolves
The Wolves will likely field Nadeau, Suzuki, and Robidas on the top line, with Vierling, Philp, and Unger Sorum supporting them. Additional lines feature Slavin, Brind’Amour, and Gunler, as well as Neuchev, Pavlychev, and Trikozov. Defensive pairs include Fensore with Foote, Valimaki with Badinka, and Seeley with Nystrom. Cayden Primeau is expected to guard the net, with Miftakhov as backup.
Players to Watch in the Match
For the Iowa Wild, Gerry Mayhew stands out as the team’s leader in points (23) and goals (14), while Ben Gleason tops assists with 16 this season. Stevie Leskovar leads the team in plus/minus rating, holding a minus-one mark. On the Wolves’ side, Justin Robidas and Bradly Nadeau are top contributors, with 44 points and 20 goals respectively. Felix Unger Sorum has dished out 30 assists, and Robidas leads the team plus/minus category at +27, also ranking second in the AHL for that statistic. Goaltender Cayden Primeau holds a league-leading save percentage of .917, making him a critical player in this game.
Upcoming Games for Both Teams
Following this matchup, the Iowa Wild are scheduled to face the Manitoba Moose on February 21, while the Chicago Wolves will play the Grand Rapids Griffins on February 20. These next encounters will be important for both teams as they continue their respective pushes during the remainder of the season.
