WOLVES CLIP BLACK WINGS ON ROAD

Linz, Austria- Despite a long flight across the Atlantic, the Timberwolves were no worse for the wear against the Linz Black Wings and seem to be warming up again.

>>>Jonas Hiller got the surprise start over Brian Elliott, despite Elliott's win against Prague two days earlier. The Timberwolves coach says that his goaltending decisions come in part in the morning skate.

>>>"With the opportunity we have here with two very capable goalies, I have no issue rotating them game in and game out at this point," said Ryan McGill.

>>>The Swiss netminder made his coach look good early in the game by stopping several quality attempts. Hiller's teammates responded with a goal from captain, Keith Ballard who snuck in from the point to take a crisp pass from Marian Gaborik (pictured) at an open 4-by-6.

>>>The first period scoring would end with that goal. Hiller stopping all 15 he faced.

>>>Marian Gaborik opened the scoring in the second with his 13th on the season from Anton Volchenkov and Matt Duchene while on the power play at 5:28. That goal would also hold through the period, with the Timberwolves up 2-0 going into the final 20 minutes.

>>>The shutout bid for Hiller ended 30 seconds into the third period when Jochen Hecht countered when the Thunder Bay goalie misplayed the puck behind his net and slipped to give the Linz shooter an open net.

>>>Patrick Sharp would get that goal back when at 13:42 the Thunder Bay-native scored his 8th to make it 3-1 Timberwolves. Gaborik would put the visitors up 4-1 a 1:01 later.

>>>A late goal from Linz's Marco Sturm was too little too late and the Thunder Bay Timberwolves headed home with a 4-2 win and a 3-0-2 record in their last five.

>>>"It's great to be clicking again," said Timberwolves defenseman, Erik Johnson. "We really came together on that long road trip a couple weeks ago and have gelled ever since."

>>>The Timberwolves do not play again until Sunday when the Budapest Honved visit Canadian National Gardens. The team will remain in Austria on Thursday for a free day before departing Friday for Canada.

>>>"It's a nice break to relax and do whatever we want," said Mike Fisher. "Plus it's a great place to find some gifts with Christmas just around the corner."

>>>
>>>3-STARS

>>>

>>>*Marian Gaborik (THU) - 2 goals and 2 assists

>>**Patrick Sharp (THU) - Goal and an assist

>***Jonas Hiller (THU) - 34 saves off 36 shots against