Wolves Win in Overtime
Chicago Wolves Mount Late Rally, Secure Overtime Win Against Toronto Marlies, Forcing Game 5
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The Chicago Wolves refused to go home quietly. Down 3-1 entering the third period of Game 4, the Wolves scored twice in 65 seconds to tie it, then won 4-3 in overtime to force a Game 5 in the 2026 Calder Cup Finals, according to National Post. Viktor Neuchev beat goaltender Artur Akhtyamov just 3:18 into overtime with a rebound goal, stunning a sold-out Coca-Cola Coliseum crowd that had been primed to celebrate a championship.
The Marlies, who entered the night one win away from their second Calder Cup in eight years, now face a must-win Game 5 on Friday at home. Chicago, the Carolina Hurricanes' AHL affiliate, becomes only the second team in recent history with a chance to crawl back from a 3-0 series hole, per Ottawa Citizen.
Two Goals in 65 Seconds Flip the Script
Toronto looked in control for nearly the entire third period. The Marlies led 3-1 and were protecting that edge with under six minutes to play. Then Chicago exploded. Defenceman Fensore scored, and just 65 seconds later Robidas tied it at 3-3. The crowd at Coca-Cola Coliseum went silent, according to Pincher Creek Echo.
Neuchev then ended it in overtime. The 22-year-old Russian forward and Buffalo Sabres prospect pounced on a rebound and beat Akhtyamov cleanly. Toronto had outshot Chicago 36-26 for the game but could not hold its lead, per PR Record Gazette.
Nadeau and Primeau Carried Chicago All Night
Bradly Nadeau lit the lamp just 28 seconds into the game, giving Chicago a 1-0 lead before many fans had settled into their seats. The Carolina Hurricanes top prospect has been the Wolves' offensive engine all series. Alex Nylander and the Marlies answered, but Nadeau's early strike set the tone, according to Brantford Expositor.
Goaltender Cayden Primeau made 33 saves and was the main reason the Wolves stayed close. Toronto dominated the second period with heavy pressure, but Primeau held firm. He now owns a 9-8 postseason record with a 2.63 goals-against average, per Fort McMurray Today.
Toronto Squandered a Historic Chance to Sweep
No AHL team has swept the Calder Cup Finals since the Lake Erie Monsters did it in 2016. Toronto was 20 minutes away from joining that list. Instead, a sluggish third period cost them. The Marlies failed to add to their 3-1 lead despite controlling puck possession, per The Observer.
The Toronto Sun described the Coca-Cola Coliseum atmosphere as "stunned" after Neuchev scored. Vinni Lettieri leads all playoff scorers with 24 points in 21 games, and defenceman William Villeneuve holds the Marlies' all-time record for assists in a single postseason with 17. Yet none of that mattered once Chicago caught fire, according to Goderich Signal Star.
Game 5 on Friday Tests Both Teams' Legs
Game 5 is set for 7:00 PM EDT Friday at Coca-Cola Coliseum — just one night after Game 4. Back-to-back games will test both rosters. Wolves head coach Spiros Anastas said after the win: "We have to find a way to win and play with urgency... We trust each other," per Hanna Herald.
If Chicago wins Friday, the series shifts back to Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, for Games 6 and 7. Several players — including Nadeau for Carolina and Easton Cowan for Toronto — are NHL prospects whose performances in these elimination games are being watched closely by front offices, according to Northern News.
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