Wolves squander two-goal lead, lose 5-3 to Checkers to fall behind 3-1 in Calder Cup Finals

The Wolves allowed three third-period goals in a 5-3 loss to the Charlotte Checkers on Thursday night in Game 4 of the AHL’s Calder Cup Finals at Allstate Arena.

The Wolves squandered a chance to tie the series and instead fell behind 3-1. The loss was the Wolves’ third straight and leaves the Checkers one victory away from winning the best-of-seven series.

Nic Hague’s goal gave the Wolves the lead 45 seconds into the game, and goals by Zac Leslie and Brooks Macek provided a 3-1 lead 13:47 into the second period.

The Checkers scored four unanswered goals to take firm control of the series.

Oscar Dansk made 18 saves on 22 shots for the Wolves. Gage Quinney, Curtis McKenzie, Dylan Coghlan and Zach Whitecloud passed for assists. The Checkers converted 1 of 3 power plays compared with 0 for 4 for the Wolves.

Game 5 is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday in Rosemont.

[ Wolves fall 4-1 in Game 3 of Calder Cup Finals and trail series 2-1 ]

[ Wolves' Calder Cup Finals games will be televised on The U and The U Too ]

[ Wolves advance to the Calder Cup Finals with a 3-1 victory over the San Diego Gulls ]