Macaila Britton sat down with Cayden Primeau, Goaltender for the Chicago Wolves. Primeau was candid about the outcomes of Game 3, while grounding himself in his post-game routine.
In spite of the Wolves loss, Primeau played well and delivered 42 saves during Tuesday night’s (May 19) game.
Next game: The Wolves play the Grand Rapids Griffins in the Central Division Finals of the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs on May 21 (7 p.m.) at Allstate Arena.
Britton: Game 3 didn’t have the outcome you wanted. Talk to me about what it was like when you first stepped out on the ice. Where was your head at? What were you feeling? Take me back in time.
Primeau: It was a chance to clinch the next round. We knew they weren’t going to go away easily, their backs were against the wall. They’re (Griffins) a good team and find ways to win. We knew that going into it.
Britton: What was it like in the moment when the Griffins scored the first goal
Primeau: I definitely wanted that one back. Even the second one; I mean, as a goalie, you want all of them back. But especially in a game like that against a good team like they are. I take accountability for those two (missed) goals.
Britton: As a spectator, the game moves very fast for us. How does time move for you on ice?
Primeau: You get into a zone. It happens so fast. There’s a cliché saying, “the puck’s as big as a beach ball.” That’s when you’re really feeling it and on it. My goal is to get the puck to be as big as possible.
Britton: Obviously you’re a hockey player. But also you’re human. What’s one thing you will do to really connect with your team and stay motivated for Game 4?
Primeau: There were a lot of guys who were in there (the locker room) hanging their heads. It just shows the kind of character we have in the room — everybody demands so much from themselves. Coming together [means helping] to get everyone to leave [the game] behind. It’s not a race […] we put ourselves in a good position going up 2-0 on the road. That third one is the hardest to get.
Britton: Can you share your overall reflections leading up to Game 4? Is there any one specific thing that comes to mind when looking back?
Primeau: We put ourselves in a good position going up 2-0 on the road but we don’t take that lightly. We haven’t scored the opening goal in the series yet. Those games were tough.
Britton: What happens now?
Primeau: We just gotta park it. And try to keep going. That’s what I try to do.
Britton: How do you leave it behind?
Primeau: Looking at video footage and focusing on the things where we were good at and tweaking the things we were a little bit behind — then, go from there.
Primeau’s reflection of the game being equal parts tactical and relationship driven echo the philosophy Head Coach, Spiros Anastas, applies to the team. Read more about his leadership style here.
For information on Wolves tickets for the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs, visit chicagowolves.com or call 1-800-THE-WOLVES.