Defensemen Jake Walman and Jordan Schmaltz scored early in the third period to break a 1-1 tie and propel Chicago to a 5-1 win over Charlotte on Tuesday night at Allstate Arena.

The Wolves’ win forces a fifth and deciding game in the teams’ Central Division semifinal series, to be played Wednesday night in Rosemont, Ill.

Walman gave the Wolves the lead at 1:58 of the third and Schmaltz doubled the advantage at 3:54 as Chicago improved to 17-8 all-time when facing elimination from the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Ty Rattie added a pair of goals in the final three minutes of the game to salt away the victory. Samuel Blais also scored for the Wolves and Andrew Agozzino and Chris Butler each recorded two assists.

Ville Husso (2-2) made 26 saves, allowing only a goal by the Checkers’ Lucas Wallmark 1:51 into the contest.

Tom McCollum (2-2) stopped 29 of 33 shots in the loss.