Austin Watson and Eeli Tolvanen both scored two goals on Saturday night to help the Milwaukee Admirals extend their winning streak to four games after a 4-2 victory over the Chicago Wolves. This was the second straight two-goal game for Austin Watson in just as many games.
The Admirals came out of the gates ready to win as they continue their push for the Calder Cup playoffs. Watson, who is on a long term injury loan from Nashville, scored his first goal of the game after only 26 seconds of play. Frederic Allard (23) and Cole Schneider (20) had the assists.
Early in the second period, Chicago’s Dylan Coghlan would be sent to the box for cross-checking which allowed Eeli Tolvanen to bury his 13th goal of the season off of a pass from Cole Schneider (22) across the goal crease only 8 seconds later at 2:31.
Austin Watson notched his second goal of the game at 16:37 when he was able to beat Chicago netminder Zach Fucale off a shot from the circle. Cole Schneider (22) had his third assist of the game on the Watson goal. Chicago did manage to cut Milwaukee’s lead when former Wisconsin Badger Ryan Wagner was able to score on Milwaukee goaltender Tom McCollum.
Milwaukee’s Justin Kirkland started the third period out by getting called for hooking at 3:07 which allowed Chicago to bring the game to within one goal after Tomas Hyka scored at 3:25. However, Eeli Tolvanen was preparing to score his second of the game. At 7:58, Tolvanen blasted a shot from the point that went over the shoulder of Fucale. That was Tolvanen’s 14th of the season.
The night ended with some pushing and shoving with eight seconds left in the game. Duncan Siemens and Keegan Kolesar were both given roughing minors, but continued to scrap after being separated which ended up turning into game misconducts for “continuing altercation.” Meanwhile, Matt Donovan and Curtis McKenzie were both throwing punches and were given five-minute fighting majors. Milwaukee went on to win 4-2.
Last night Watty and Tolvy each score 2⃣ and we beat the Wolves! ?
— Milwaukee Admirals (@mkeadmirals) March 31, 2019
Please enjoy with your morning coffee ☕️ ☺️#MILhockey pic.twitter.com/YQHwmh6eLy
Game Notes:
The hot streak continues for the Admirals. They’ve won four straight games and have an even longer point streak. They are looking to secure 4th place in the Central division all for themselves. They currently sit tied with Manitoba with 75-points. The Texas Stars control fourth with 77-points, however, Manitoba and Milwaukee both have two games-in-hand over Texas. The Rockford IceHogs also beat the Grand Rapids Griffins on Saturday. They sit with 74-points.
Austin Watson doesn’t look like he missed a day of hockey. His play has been strong and he is getting shots on (but most importantly in) net. He scored twice on five shots on Saturday. There were some rumblings that his trip to Milwaukee was being cut short and he’d be returning to Nashville after Saturday’s contest.
Miikka Salomaki looked good too, just less flashy. His play seemed confident and there were no Wolves goals during his ice time. He did manage four shots on goal on Saturday night; just nothing connected. It sounds like Salomaki will play one more game with the Admirals before making his way back to Nashville.
This was a second strong showing by Milwaukee goaltender Tom McCollum. McCollum’s starts earlier this season were a bit shaky at times. In his last two starts he has only allowed 4 goals, while the Admirals in front of him have scored 12 in those two contests.
I’ve continued to be really impressed with Cole Schneider ever since he was picked up by the Admirals. In his 17 games he has 4 goals and 10 assists (3 of which came on Saturday).
The Admirals take on the Grand Rapids Griffins on Sunday before playing the San Antonio Rampage on Wednesday and the Wolves again next Friday.
