Brind'Amour's 28.5-second Winner Lifts Wolves to 5-4 Win

Skyler Brind’Amour provided a late-game dagger, scoring with 28.5 seconds remaining as the Chicago Wolves edged the Milwaukee Admirals 5-4 on Jan. 16. The victory capped a wild contest highlighted by a six-goal second period and a late Milwaukee tying effort, and it underscored the AHL’s role as a stage for high-stakes, fast-paced hockey.

The middle frame stole the show as both clubs traded blows in a frenetic sequence that produced six goals and swung momentum repeatedly. Justin Robidas finished with a two-goal night, while Noel Gunler and Nikita Pavlychev each added markers to fuel the Wolves’ attack. A late push by Milwaukee produced a tying goal that briefly threatened Chicago’s lead before Brind’Amour delivered the deciding play in the final minute.

Playmaking set the tone behind the scoring. Defenseman Juuso Valimaki and forward Bradly Nadeau logged multi-assist nights, orchestrating set-ups that stretched Milwaukee’s coverage and created high-danger chances. Their contributions illustrated a balanced Wolves roster capable of generating offense from the blue line and the wings, a blend that bodes well when the push for consistency matters most.

Between the pipes, Amir Miftakhov stood tall when it counted, stopping 32 shots to claim the win. His performance provided enough composure for the Wolves to withstand Milwaukee’s late surge and for the offense to execute a late-game finish. Goaltending depth in the AHL remains a vital ingredient for teams juggling injuries and call-ups, and Miftakhov’s outing was a reminder of the margin that a hot netminder can provide.

Beyond the box score, the contest delivered on the AHL product promise: accessible, intense, and developmental. Games like this drive local fan engagement, offer highlight-reel moments for broadcasters and social channels, and increase the visibility of prospects who could impact NHL rosters. For the Wolves organization, clutch finishes and contributions from multiple forward lines validate roster construction and coaching adjustments under pressure.

For fans, the win is immediate adrenaline and a narrative of resilience; for the team, it is a building block in a long season. Chicago will look to convert the momentum from a dramatic late winner into steadier defensive execution and continued secondary scoring as the season progresses. The close, back-and-forth style that defined this game will likely remain a talking point for supporters and a reminder of how quickly fortunes can turn in the AHL.