DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Wild’s late rally fell short Wednesday night in a 3-2 loss to the Milwaukee Admirals at Casey’s Center. Iowa cut a two-goal deficit to one in the third period, but could not find the tying goal.

Milwaukee goaltender Matt Murray turned away the Wild’s final push, including several close-range chances with an extra attacker on the ice. Iowa finished with 31 shots.

Kirkland gives Iowa an early lead

Justin Kirkland put the Wild ahead just 58 seconds into the game. The former Admiral found space in the offensive zone and beat Murray for a 1-0 lead.

However, Milwaukee answered less than four minutes later. Rookie Felix Nilsson scored his first career AHL goal, beating Iowa goaltender Jesper Wallstedt to tie the game at 1-1.

Milwaukee Admirals build a 3-1 advantage

Iowa struggled to find its rhythm in the second period as Milwaukee limited space through the neutral zone. Joakim Kemell gave the Admirals their first lead and extended his point streak to five games.

Milwaukee then added another goal to make it 3-1. The two-goal cushion left the Wild chasing the game heading into the final period.

Iowa Wild rally in the third period

The Wild raised the pressure in the third. Iowa won more battles along the boards and sustained its attack in the Milwaukee zone.

That pressure eventually produced a goal, cutting the deficit to 3-2 and bringing the home crowd back into the game.

With Wallstedt pulled for an extra attacker in the final two minutes, Iowa pushed for the equalizer. The Wild created chances near the net, but Murray held firm to protect Milwaukee’s one-goal lead.

What the result means for Iowa

The loss dropped Iowa to 3-3-1-1, leaving the Wild and Admirals level at eight points in the Central Division. It also ended Iowa’s three-game home winning streak against Milwaukee.

Still, the third-period response gave Iowa something to build on. The Wild will look to carry that pressure into their next game while tightening their defensive play.