Playing their first game of the year against the Wolves, the Lake Erie Monsters could not overcome an early deficit in Chicago Friday night, eventually falling 3-2. Finding themselves down by two midway through the first period, Lake Erie fought back to tie the game with 16 minutes to go before giving up the game-winning goal to Chicago with nine-and-a-half minutes left to play. The Monsters received scoring from T.J. Hensick and Ryan Stoa and is now 8-14-0-2. With the win Chicago improves to 12-11-0-1.

The game was a tale of two periods, as all the action happened in the first and third frames. Chicago lit the lamp first behind a Johnny Pohl power play goal 8:10 into the game. He was assisted by Tim Stapleton and Jason Krog.

It would only take four minutes for the Wolves to double their lead. Chris Chelios' goal at the 12:22 mark of the first period gave Chicago a 2-0 lead. Josh Gratton and Rylan Kalp were credited with the assists.

Another four minutes would pass until the Monsters got on the board, as Hensick scored off a pass from former Wolves player Darren Haydar at 16:24 of the first.

After starting in net and giving up two goals on eight shots, Lake Erie's Trevor Cann would be replaced by fellow rookie netminder Billy Sauer for the final two periods.

The two teams were as even as could be throughout the second session, as the Monsters and Wolves got off 11 shots apiece. Sauer held serve with Chicago goalie Drew MacIntyre as neither allowed their opponent to score in the second period.

Down by one entering the third and final frame, the Monsters came out inspired and tied the game 3:42 into the period. Ryan Stoa found the back of the net, assisted by Derek Peltier and Tom Preissing on the power play.

Despite being nearly doubled up by the Monsters on shots in the period, it would be Chicago that would find success on offense. Brett Sterling scored the game-winner for the Wolves at the 10:30 mark off an assist from Pohl.

Cann had six saves on eight shots in 20 minutes, while Sauer recorded 15 saves on 16 shots. Across the ice, MacIntyre deflected all but two of the 31 Lake Erie shots he faced on the night.

The Monsters will look to rebound quickly as they play in Rockford on Saturday night. The game against the IceHogs will be televised on MY43 WUAB.