AHL playoffs: Stuart notches 2 points in Chicago's win

FELDY: Colin Stuart has helped the Chicago Wolves close in on a berth in the American Hockey League semifinals.

Stuart scored a short-handed goal just 1:15 into the third period Saturday, a goal that turned out to be the game-winner in the Wolves' 7-3 win over the Rockford Ice Hogs in Game 2 of their AHL West Division Finals series. Stuart also had an assist on Steve Martins' first-period goal.

The Wolves now lead the best-of-7 series 2-0 with Game 3 set for today at 4 p.m. in Rockford.

The winner of the Chicago/Rockford series will face the winner of the North Division Finals, either the Toronto Marlies or Syracuse Crunch, in the AHL semifinals. Syracuse leads that series, 1-0, with Game 2 set for today at 4 p.m.

In the other half of the AHL playoff bracket, WIlkes-Barre/Scranton (Pa.) is facing the Philadelphia Phantoms in the East Division FInals; and Providence is meeting Portland in the Atlantic Division Finals.