Wild split with Port Huron, close regular season against Wings

WENATCHEE - As the playoffs draw near, the Wenatchee Wild is in sole possession of third place in the American Hockey League's Midwest division.

Wenatchee (29-22-7) was able to split two games with Port Huron recently, scoring a 4-1 win in game one before being edged in overtime, 4-3.

"I thought we played well tonight," head coach Bliss Littler said, after Friday's win. "I thought three of our four lines played very hard, Chase Perry made some big saves when he had to, but overall it was a very good effort on our part."

Nicholas Rivera opened the scoring for the Wild in the first period after banging home an assist from Omar Mullan.

Wenatchee was able to increase its lead to 3-0 entering the third period behind goals from Joseph Kaszupski and Matthew Nuttle.

Port Huron was able to avoid the shut out after scoring near the eight minute mark in the third period. However, Kaszupski scored his second goal of the evening to preserve the lead for Wenatchee.

The Fighting Falcons paid Wenatchee back with a 4-3 overtime win the next night.

Port Huron opened up a 2-0 lead in the first period before Troy Loggins was able to score off a rebound to cut the deficit in half.

The Fighting Falcons regained their two-goal lead in the second period before Wenatchee tied the game behind goals from Christian Salvato and Parker Tuomie.

Port Huron scored on a power play early in overtime to escape with the win.

"That was a tough one to take," Littler said. "Felt like a point was stolen from us tonight, very proud of our effort. Two times we battled back from being down two, proud of the effort, we deserved a better fate."

Wenatchee closes its regular season with two home games against Aberdeen March 28 and 29.