Noel Gunler’s goal with 7:06 left in the second period was the difference as the Chicago Wolves began the Western Conference Finals with a 3-2 win at Colorado on Thursday night.
The Eagles host Game 2 of the best-of-seven series on Saturday evening (8:05 ET, ).
All five goals in the game were scored on the power play, but the Wolves successfully killed off two Eagles man-advantages in the third period to secure the victory. Chicago was 3-for-5, while Colorado went 2-for-7.
Justin Robidas and Bradly Nadeau had the other goals for Chicago, and Ryan Suzuki tallied two assists. Alex Barré-Boulet and Tristen Nielsen scored for Colorado.
Cayden Primeau (7-3) made 33 saves as the Wolves earned their sixth one-goal victory of the playoffs.
Trent Miner (8-3) stopped 15 shots for the Eagles, who lost at Blue Arena for the first time in seven home games this postseason.
(Chicago leads series, 1-0)
Game 1 – Thu., May 28 – Chicago 3, COLORADO 2
Game 2 – Sat., May 30 – Chicago at Colorado, 8:05
Game 3 – Tue., June 2 – Colorado at Chicago, 8:00
Game 4 – Wed., June 3 – Colorado at Chicago, 8:00
*Game 5 – Fri., June 5 – Colorado at Chicago, 8:00
*Game 6 – Sun., June 7 – Chicago at Colorado, 8:05
*Game 7 – Mon., June 8 – Chicago at Colorado, 9:05
*if necessary… All times Eastern
