Roster Rundown
The
Iowa Wild are prepping for their upcoming match with a roster that’s seen some ups and downs. Key to their offensive drive is center Marco Rossi, who's racked up 45 points this season with his deft stick-handling and quick passes. Right winger Sammy Walker's been a force on the ice too, putting up 20 goals—he's got that knack for finding those holes in defense. Defenseman Dakota Mermis, with a solid plus/minus of +12, anchors the blue line, while goalie Zane McIntyre, boasting a save percentage of .914, has been a reliable wall between the pipes. Notably absent, though, are forward Adam Beckman, out with a lingering ankle injury, and defenseman Joe Hicketts, sidelined by a knee strain.
The
Chicago Wolves, on the other hand, are leaning heavily on their standout players. Forward Jamieson Rees, with 50 points this season, has been a dynamo on offense, weaving through defenders with ease. Center Jack Drury adds depth to the lineup, contributing a respectable 35 assists, while defenseman Ronan Seeley, with his 25 points, adds an offensive spark from the back end. Between the pipes, Pyotr Kochetkov's .920 save percentage speaks volumes about his agility and reflexes. The Wolves will miss the presence of veteran forward Vasili Ponomarev, recovering from a shoulder surgery, and defenseman Max Lajoie, nursing a sprained wrist.
Head-to-Head
Iowa Wild 3-2
Chicago Wolves [15th January 2025]
Chicago Wolves 5-2
Iowa Wild [23rd December 2024]
Iowa Wild 2-4
Chicago Wolves [10th November 2024]
Recent Form
Iowa Wild:
Manitoba Moose – Lost 3:2
Manitoba Moose – Win 1:3
Milwaukee Admirals – Lost 0:5
San Diego Gulls – Win 5:1
San Diego Gulls – Win 4:2
Chicago Wolves:
Texas Stars – Lost 1:3
Milwaukee Admirals – Lost 5:3
Manitoba Moose – Win 2:3
Manitoba Moose – Win 3:4
Grand Rapids Griffins – Win 3:4
Wrap-Up
With the
AHL playoffs looming large, both teams are gunning for a vital win to boost their standings.
Iowa Wild, coming off a mixed bag of results, have shown they can light the lamp when they click, especially against San Diego.
Chicago Wolves, though, seem to have found some rhythm, riding a three-game win streak before stumbling against Texas Stars. Wolves have dominated the head-to-head, but Iowa’s scrappy—never count 'em out. Marco Rossi’s passing and Walker’s scoring could create headaches for Wolves’ defense. On the flip side, Rees and Drury, along with Kochetkov’s stellar goaltending, are potent weapons in Chicago’s arsenal.
Summary
This one’s shaping up to be a barn burner. Wolves have been riding high, their recent form suggesting they're the team to beat. Still, Iowa's got something to prove, especially with players like Rossi ready to seize any opportunity. Expect a tight contest, with both teams needing to bury those chances if they hope to sway the needle in their favor. Wolves, with a slight edge, might just squeak through, but in hockey, you never really know till the final horn sounds.
Match Odds Iowa Wild – Chicago Wolves
Leon's odds are - on Iowa Wild prevailing at home.
At this moment our odds are equal to - on Chicago Wolves visiting team's winning.
Draw odds are -.
