Weekend Action: Wolves Continue to Rack up Points
The Wolves traveled to Van Andel Arena on Friday, February 20, 2026, for a Central Division showdown with the first-place Grand Rapids Griffins. In a tight, defense-driven game, Chicago battled all night but eventually fell 2-1 in overtime.
After a scoreless first period, Grand Rapids broke through early in the middle frame with a goal from Michael Brandsegg-Nygard. The Wolves refused to fold: Ronan Seeley — who continues to be an offensive spark from the blue line — knotted things late in the third with his fourth of the season, burying a rebound chance with assists from Nikita Pavlychev and Noah Philp.
However, the Griffins would end it in OT when Amadeus Lombardi netted the winning tally with 1:48 left in bonus hockey.
In goal for Chicago, Amir Miftakhov turned aside 20 shots but was tagged with the loss. His counterpart, Michal Postava, earned the win with 31 saves for Grand Rapids.
Though it was a loss for the Wolves against the AHL’s best in Grand Rapids, Chicago continues to show their ability to give the Griffins fits. The Wolves have only dropped 2 regulation games against the Griffins in their 6 games this season. The Wolves have handed the Griffins 2 of their 7 losses this season. We, as hockey fans and lovers, can only hope these two teams square off in the Western Conference Finals this year.
- Photo Credit: Daulton Cooper/WRMN 1410/ Olde City Sports Network
Sunday Thriller: Wolves Rally to Top Texas 5-4
Rebounding from the OT setback, the Wolves returned home to Allstate Arena on Saturday, February 21, 2026, and delivered a crowd-pleasing performance against the Texas Stars, pulling out a 5-4 victory in a back-and-forth contest.
Texas jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the opening session with early goals by Cameron Hughes and Jack Becker, but Chicago clawed back before intermission. Justin Robidas — who has been hot of late — opened the scoring for the Wolves with his 21st goal, assisted by Ryan Suzuki and Felix Unger Sorum. Noel Gunler finished off the first period comeback with his ninth of the campaign with just .2 left in the first period.
The lead seesawed in the second. Harrison Scott restored a Stars lead before Bradly Nadeau rocketed a one-timer past Texas netminder Remi Poirier to tie it once more. Defensive defenseman Ronan Seeley netted what would prove the game-winner early in the third, and Noah Philp sealed it with a late strike at 55:59. Felix Unger Sorum dazzled with three assists in the win.
This game was odd from the puck drop. The first period was controlled by the Wolves’ forechecking; for minutes at a time, they seemed to have the puck in the Texas end of the ice. The Wolves’ 4th line really stood out early and often, especially Pavlychev and Smith (playing in his 8th contest of the season). Texas did not let it bother them; the Stars answered with 2 goals on their first 3 shots of the game. The Wolves grabbed what seemed to be the go-ahead goal early in the second, but it was waved off due to goaltender interference. The Wolves never threw in the towel and scored another goal inside the last minute of a period in the second. A gritty comeback and win for the Wolves, but the fourth line combination makes this team seem more well-rounded. The size, physicality, and forechecking combination up and down the lineups make for a long day with any team that opposes the Wolves.
Standings Snapshot — Where the Wolves Sit Now
As of the most recent AHL standings, the Chicago Wolves sit second in the Central Division, with a record of 26-11-6. On the league leaderboard, Chicago has 63 points through 48 games, trailing division leader Grand Rapids by a wide margin (20 points) but comfortably ahead of several divisional foes.
Looking Ahead — Next Three Games
Up next for the Wolves, the schedule continues to test their mettle as they look to maintain momentum and climb the Central Division standings:
vs. Toronto Marlies – Saturday & Sunday, February 27-28, 2026 — Chicago travels to Ontario for a meeting with the North Division club.
at Milwaukee Admirals – Tuesday, March 1, 2026 — A key divisional tilt awaits on the road.
vs. Texas Stars – Saturday, March 7, 2026 — Chicago will host Texas in a rematch of this weekend’s high-scoring affair.
Bottom Line
This past weekend was a microcosm of what the Wolves’ season has been — gritty, resilient, and full of twists. The OT loss in Grand Rapids stung, but the spirited comeback victory over Texas showed the offense’s firepower and depth. If Chicago can carry that same energy, forechecking, and physicality into their upcoming games, they’ll be a tough team to dispose of, especially with 24 games remaining on the schedule.
- Daulton Cooper/Olde City Sports Network
- Photo Credit: Daulton Cooper/WRMN 1410/ Olde City Sports Network
