Givani Smith's First-Period Redirect Lifts Wolves Past Griffins, 1-0

Cayden Primeau turned aside all 28 shots he faced, and a Givani Smith redirect early in the first period held up as the only goal, as the Chicago Wolves blanked the Central Division-leading Grand Rapids Griffins 1-0 Sunday at Allstate Arena in Rosemont — snapping a four-game losing skid in the process.

Smith, who now has two goals on the season, redirected a long point shot from Joel Nystrom past Griffins goaltender Michal Postava at 12:29 of the opening period. Skyler Brind'Amour picked up the second assist. The redirect was the last puck that got through all night.

Primeau's performance was the backbone of the victory. The third shutout of his season — and it came against a Grand Rapids team desperate for any foothold — required calm amid sustained pressure. The Griffins nearly struck first when William Dufour centered the puck from behind the goal line to Austin Watson in the slot at 5:54 of the first, but Primeau gloved Watson's one-timer cleanly.

The second period tested him further. Postava was doing his part at the other end, stopping a Noah Gunler backhand at 11:18 and, just 16 seconds later, sprawling to deny Felix Unger Sorum on a point-blank chance. Those saves kept Grand Rapids within reach, but Primeau matched every push.

"We knew that we needed to have a strong performance," Primeau said. "We blocked a bunch of shots and if we didn't get in the way of the puck, no one was in front of me and I was able to see it. And if there was a rebound, I was able to cover it real quick so there was no second effort on their part."

His record improved to 17-7-2-3 on the season with the win, and he earned First Star honors. Smith took Second Star for the game-winner, while Postava, who finished with 27 saves on 28 shots, claimed Third Star despite the loss.

Beyond Primeau's work, Chicago's penalty kill was essential. Grand Rapids generated six power play opportunities and converted on none of them. The Wolves, meanwhile, went 0-for-4 with the man advantage, meaning the game's only goal came at five-on-five.

The Griffins mounted their most dangerous late push in the closing minutes of the third. Carter Mazur grabbed a loose puck at the right hashes with 62 seconds remaining, spun, and fired at Primeau without success. Earlier in the period, Gabriel Seger fed Mazur in the slot but Primeau blocked that chance as well. Grand Rapids pulled Postava for an extra attacker with 2:08 left and still could not find the equalizer.

Chicago and Grand Rapids have two meetings remaining on their 10-game season series. The Wolves, now 3-2-1-2 against their Central Division rivals, handed Grand Rapids its second consecutive loss. The 9,724 fans at Allstate Arena watched a game that was never close on the scoreboard but rarely felt safe until the final horn.