The opening three minutes personified the difference between the teams. Pyotr Kochetkov denied Borya Valis' five-hole attempt after the rookie escaped on a partial breakaway. 30 seconds later, the Wolves' Evan Vierling scored alone in front as Chicago won the battle behind the goal line in what was a learning moment for Blake Smith. Cedric Paré had the opportunity to answer immediately but was unable to bury from the heart of the slot.
It didn't do much to help the Marlies in terms of their performance back at five-on-five as Utica continued to dominate possession, scoring chances, and the shot clock. After allowing two goals on as many shots, Akhtyamov looked a little shorn of confidence. He was unsteady to say the least, with some questionable decision-making around leaving his net. He did, however, find a way to stop 13 more shots to keep the deficit at one.