Levshunov scores game-winner in overtime as IceHogs beat Wolves in playoff opener

The Chicago Wolves took the ice for their first postseason game since capturing the 2022 Calder Cup championship when they faced the Rockford IceHogs in Game 1 of the Central Division First Round on Wednesday night at Allstate Arena.

Juha Jaaska had a goal for the Wolves, but Artyom Levshunov scored the winner in overtime to give the IceHogs a 2-1 victory and take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series that will resume with Game 2 on Friday night in Rockford.

After a scoreless opening period, the Wolves struck first midway through the second. While on the power play, Ty Smith teed up a shot from the point that Jaaska redirected past Rockford netminder Drew Commesso to the stick side. In addition to Smith, Ryan Suzuki was awarded an assist on the Wolves’ first tally of the postseason.

Kevin Korchinski’s score late in the second evened the contest at 1-1 and set up a thrilling third period and subsequent overtime.

Levshunov ended things with a power-play goal with nine minutes remaining in OT.

Spencer Martin (34 saves) took the loss in goal for the Wolves while Commesso (32 saves) earned the win for the IceHogs.