Arniel thrilled with win

All season, Wolves coach Scott Arniel has hesitated to be critical after any victory. But considering the circumstances of the Wolves’ game Wednesday, his philosophy was never more applicable.

The Wolves were tied with the Oklahoma City Barons for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference before the two teams played at Allstate Arena, and despite watching his team blow a lead in regulation, Arniel was elated with the Wolves’ 3-2 shootout win.

The Wolves won the shootout 2-1, and goalie Matt Climie stopped five of six shooters. The Wolves now sit in a three-way tie for seventh with Rockford and Milwaukee. All three teams are one point ahead of Oklahoma City.

“That was a tough game,” Arniel said. “That was a really good game. I thought we battled hard.

“You always say playoff hockey starts before the playoffs ever begin, and this is what it is. We’re down under 20 games, and tonight there wasn’t a lot of room.”

After Oklahoma City’s Anton Lander scored the game’s first goal at 4:46 of the first period, Wolves defenseman Danny Groulx answered 23 seconds later. Darren Haydar gave the Wolves the lead with a goal at 18:37.

But the Barons’ Alex Plante scored at 3:57 of the second period.

The Wolves had a chance to end the game in overtime on a four-on-two rush, but they failed to get a shot off. Their defense, however, was outstanding in overtime, limiting the Barons to one shot.