Kochetkov, Wolves Maul Marlies 4–1
ROSEMONT, Ill.—The Chicago Wolves celebrated the return of goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov, who joined the lineup on a conditioning assignment and led the team to a 4–1 win over the Toronto Marlies on Saturday night at Allstate Arena.
Kochetkov, sent from the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday for his first game of the season after an injury, stopped 22 shots. His effort was backed by strong offensive support from several teammates.
- Nikita Pavlychev — one goal and an assist
- Evan Vierling — one goal
- Dominik Badinka — one goal
- Skyler Brind’Amour — one goal
- Noel Gunler — three assists
“The guys helped me because maybe they knew I hadn’t played in a long time,” Kochetkov said. “They helped my job with blocks and I was able to see the puck. I need a couple of games to understand how to find my game. But it was very fun for me to be back.”
The Wolves broke a two-game losing streak in their first meeting with the Marlies since March 20, 2022. Toronto, beginning an eight-game road trip, got its lone goal from Henry Thrun but fell for the fourth straight time.
Chicago struck early, taking a 1–0 lead just 2 minutes, 44 seconds into the first period on Vierling’s debut goal for the Wolves.
Author’s Summary
Kochetkov’s return energized the Wolves as his stellar goaltending and balanced team offense secured a decisive 4–1 win and ended Chicago’s brief slump.