After sweeping the Chicago Wolves, the Rockford IceHogs went up against the Milwaukee Admirals in a five-game series. The Admirals, considered one of the best teams of the AHL, would prove to be too much for the IceHogs in this series.
Game One
The IceHogs celebrate following Colton Dach’s overtime game-winning goal. (Photo courtesy of Kristin Ostrowski / Rockford IceHogs)
The first two games stunned many, with the Hogs looking to pull off the upset. In Game One, with Rockford down by two going into the final frame, the Hogs stormed back with two third-period goals by Paul Ludwinski and Gerry Mayhew. Overtime would not last long. Just 12 seconds into overtime, a returning Colton Dach scored, giving Rockford the series lead.
Game Two
Aidan Thompson shined in Game Two in Milwaukee. (Photo courtesy of Kristin Ostrowski / Rockford IceHogs)
Game Two was Rockford’s shining performance this postseason. With a hat trick from Joey Anderson, the Hogs routed the Admirals 6–1. This game also included Aidan Thompson’s first professional goal late in the third period. With a 2–0 series lead with chances to eliminate Milwaukee at home, it felt guaranteed to be an upset for Rockford. Unfortunately, it would not come to pass.
Game Three
The Admirals were in the face of many Hogs skaters, including Jalen Luypen, during Game Three. (Photo courtesy of Jimmy Doles / Rockford IceHogs)
All momentum Rockford gained in the first two games felt sapped out during Game Three. Milwaukee came in desperate and determined. The young IceHogs roster looked outmatched at every turn, with seemingly no answer for anything the Admirals threw at them. Milwaukee’s aggressive play on the puck carrier in Rockford’s zone led to panicked play and bad turnovers.
By the third period, goalie Drew Commesso was pulled after giving up five goals in the first two frames. The frustration of their first loss of the playoffs showed in the third period, with multiple altercation between skaters taking place, leading to Kevin Korchinski leaving the ice with a game misconduct. Losing 6–2, the Hogs still had the chance to finish off the Admirals on home ice in Game Four.
Game Four
IceHogs on the ice celebrate Thompson’s first period goal, his second professional playoff goal. (Photo courtesy of Jimmy Doles / Rockford IceHogs)
Game Four started off far better than Game Three did for Rockford. Rockford scored twice in the first. With a 2–1 lead, the Hogs faltered in the second, giving up the lead and going into the third down 3–2. Despite outshooting Milwaukee 11–4 in the final frame, it was not enough.
Admirals goaltender Matthew Murray blanked Rockford when it mattered most, and the series would come down to a win-or-go-home Game Five in Milwaukee.
Game Five
Joey Anderson celebrates his game-tying goal in the third period, leading to overtime. (Photo courtesy of Kristin Ostrowski / Rockford IceHogs)
When it mattered most, Rockford put up a good fight, but it was not enough. Despite outshooting Milwaukee in the first period 15–5, the Admirals led going into the second frame.
The Hogs learned from Game Four’s second-period performance, because they came out strong in the second. Veteran forward Zach Sanford scored twice within eight minutes to take a 2–1 lead. Milwaukee would eventually tie it back up after a bad turnover created a goal for Fedor Svechkov.
It looked as though Rockford would keep the game tied, however, Admirals forward Jesse Ylonen had other plans. With just over a minute left in the second, he put the Admirals back on top.
The third period looked dire at first. Neither team could muster any sort of offense, and Milwaukee’s defensive wall looked impenetrable. Still, Rockford did not relent. With eight minutes left, Anderson knotted it back up at 3–3. It would remain 3–3 going into overtime.
Unfortunately, the bad penalties that plagued Rockford since Game Three showed up right away in overtime. Sanford, with two goals in the game, took a delay-of-game penalty 22 seconds into overtime. Overtime penalties on the road usually lead to disaster, and this proved to be true. Just over a minute after the penalty, Svechkov once again found the back of the net, ending the game, 4–3. Just like that, Rockford’s season was over.
Series overview
Despite the series loss, this young IceHogs team has a lot to look forward to. (Photo courtesy of Kristin Ostrowski / Rockford IceHogs)
If any IceHogs fan had been told that they would sweep the Wolves and take the Admirals the distance, they would have been impressed. However, a reverse sweep is difficult to swallow, even when Rockford was a heavy underdog. It takes a lot to beat a team like Milwaukee. This young Hogs roster got a crash course in what it takes to take down a good team with their backs against the wall.
This is not to say the Hogs got complacent; far from it. This series showed what needs to be done if Rockford wants to take the next level. Bad penalties and Milwaukee’s ability to frustrate Hogs skaters led to this outcome. Rockford will need to learn to play disciplined when frustrated, and not falter against pressure.
It is also important to point out the positives. The first should be how impressive it is that Rockford got this far. Being the fifth and final seed in the stacked Central Division, and being worst team in the playoffs based on season point total, the expectations were low. Taking on the Wolves could have been the end, considering how dominant Chicago was against Rockford all season. Sweeping them convincingly was shocking. Despite the loss to the Admirals, the final two games of the series were one-goal contests. The Hogs played competitively against a team that could have demolished them in a clean sweep. The loss hurts, but competing with this young roster was impressive.
Another positive point is how well the young Hogs skaters played in their first taste of professional playoff hockey. Samuel Savoie sticks out the most, with two goals and six points in seven playoff games. Finishing closely behind him, Thompson had two goals and two assists during the Hogs’ playoff run. Korchinski also managed two goals and two assists during these playoffs.
To go along with the previously mentioned prospects, others like Nolan Allan had four assists during the playoffs, Ludwinski had a goal and an assist, Artyom Levshunov had a overtime goal against the Wolves, and Gavin Hayes had two assists during the playoffs.
For a roster so young, and, on paper, so overmatched, they impressed many across the hockey landscape. Although disappointing now, a playoff run like this only helps the organization.
Final thoughts
I would like to thank members of the Rockford IceHogs organization for allowing myself and The Rink to cover the IceHogs during this season. Members of the organization, like Dana Grey and Nicholas Lalpuis, have granted me access to postgame interviews and provided me press credentials to multiple Hogs games throughout the regular and postseason. Dana Grey has even lent his insights to our podcast, the Rinkcast, throughout the season, which we are incredibly grateful for.
I would like to also thank the photographers and social media staff of the Rockford IceHogs. Their efforts, including pictures taken during games, were utilized for IceHog articles on The Rink.
I, along with the rest of the team, look forward to continuing our relationship with the Rockford IceHogs in the coming seasons.