The Wolves’ much-maligned power-play unit came through with a key goal Sunday, and the Wolves will leave for a long road trip on a good note.
Mark Mancari broke a second-period tie with a power-play goal, leading the Wolves to a 4-1 victory over Houston at Allstate Arena.
After the teams exchanged first-period goals, the Wolves struck for their first power-play goal at home in four games. The Wolves entered with the AHL’s 30th-ranked power-play unit (13.6 percent)
“The power play seems to be our Achilles’ heel this year, so we knew we needed to get one,” said Darren Haydar, who had a goal and an assist. “It’s a matter of making the right decisions. We’re starting to make some better plays.”
The Wolves did that at the 5-minute, 27-second mark of the second when Mancari scored his team-leading 27th goal on a wrist shot from the left faceoff circle.
Yann Sauve added to the Wolves’ lead early in the third with his third goal of the season. Bill Sweatt completed the scoring with an empty-net goal at 19:33.
Jeff Taffe gave Houston a 1-0 lead at 5:16 of the first. Haydar tied it at 15:02 with his 17th goal.
Matt Climie finished with 20 saves as the Wolves won for the fourth time in five games.
“Guys are pretty committed right now,” coach Craig MacTavish said. “It’s a group that is really developing some good habits.”
The Wolves, who now embark on a season-high, seven-game road trip, lost forward Mike Duco in the first period after he slammed hard into the boards. MacTavish said Duco will be evaluated Monday.
