For the Wolves, their new working relationship with the Blackhawks is already paying benefits. The results are right there in Black and White.
James Black, originally loaned by the Hawks to the Wolves to start the season, scored both Wolves goals in their 2-1 victory over the Indianapolis Ice Friday at the Horizon. Granted, Black was subsequently traded by the Hawks to the Washington Capitals on Oct. 15. But when the Caps decided to send Black to the minors after one game, they reshipped him to the Wolves last Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Wolves, already rich in offensive talent by International Hockey League standards, will get richer, at least for a while, thanks to the Hawks. Center Todd White, a Hawks prospect who tied Wolves left wing Steve Maltais for the IHL goal-scoring title last season with 46, was scheduled to join the Wolves Saturday.
While the Wolves generated ample scoring chances Friday against the Ice, they might have benefited from White’s finishing touch. Still, riding sharp goaltending from Glenn Healy, the Wolves (3-1-2) played smart both with and without the puck and held on.
“Everyone says we’re a high-scoring team, but tonight we showed we could play good defense if everyone’s on same page,” said Black, who now leads the Wolves with six goals after his second straight two-goal effort. “I think we’re starting to jell a little now.”
Black opened the scoring during a power play at 4 minutes 45 seconds of the opening period by firing a low, screened shot from the high slot under Ice goalie Kirk Daubenspeck.
Indianapolis’ Bryan Fogarty tied it 1-1 at 17:31 after the Wolves were unable to clear the puck from their zone for nearly a minute. He stepped in from the right point and ripped Ryan Vandenbussche’s centering pass over Healy’s glove.
Black netted the winner at 4:52 of the third period by batting in a rebound.
