Wolves’ power play falters again in loss

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Updated: March 6, 2012 8:21AM

The Wolves’ struggling power play has been able to hide behind one of the AHL’s best penalty-killing units and a good defense.

But in a 4-1 loss Saturday against the Peoria Rivermen at Allstate Arena, the Wolves’ inability to capitalize on opportunities stood out.

‘‘We get pressure to score goals on the power play when we’re put out there, and if we’re not going to be producing, [coach Craig MacTavish] could throw a different guy out there,’’ center Jordan Schroeder said. ‘‘So you definitely want to keep your spot on the power play.’’

Schroeder, a member of the power-play unit, scored the Wolves’ lone goal when he one-timed a rebound of a shot by Bill Sweatt past Ben Bishop at 9:12 of the second period.

The goal came three seconds after a Wolves power play. The power-play unit was still on the ice, which prompted Schroeder to acknowledge some improvement.

But MacTavish said he still sees it as an area of concern. The Wolves (25-17-1-3) have scored on only five of their last 59 power-play opportunities and haven’t scored multiple power-play goals in a game since Dec. 29.

‘‘We’ve lost confidence in our power play,’’ MacTavish said. ‘‘We’re storming to try and find a scenario, a set of players who can be productive there, which is never great. It’s normally a sign that you haven’t had a lot of success on the power play.’’

Former Wolves star Brett Sterling had a goal and an assist for the Rivermen (24-20-2-1).