Rockford IceHogs exit interviews

The Rockford IceHogs put a cap on their season with their annual end-of-the-year exit interviews. After finishing the regular season in seventh place in the AHL Central Division, the IceHogs missed the Calder Cup Playoffs for the second time in the last three years. Paired with the Chicago Blackhawks missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second year in a row, this year marks the first time since becoming the AHL affiliate of the Blackhawks that Chicago and Rockford both missed the postseason.

There are a number of reasons why there is not playoff hockey being played in Rockford this season: coaching changes, injuries, recalls and assignments of key players, etc., but the IceHogs simply could not support their stellar team defense with enough scoring on a regular basis to get them over the hump and into the Calder Cup Playoffs. The league’s best goalie group of Collin Delia, Kevin Lankinen and Anton Forsberg were regularly let down by the league’s lowest scoring offense. Rockford finished the season with a 30–2–2 record when scoring three or more goals in a game, while on the flip side, lost 19 games this year when holding their opponents to two or fewer goals in a game.

But let’s not beat a dead horse any longer.

Interim head coach Derek King

IceHogs head coach Derek King did pretty much as well as he could have been asked after taking over the IceHogs from Jeremy Colliton in early November. King inherited the reigns of a 6–3–3 IceHogs team on Nov. 6 and finished the season with a 35–31–10 record, a 29–28–7 record with King as head coach. As of Wednesday, King’s status with the organization is still undecided, but one would figure he managed his position well enough to be given a chance to remove the interim tag from his coaching position.

Dylan Sikura (46 games played, 17 goals, 18 assists)

One of the brightest spots for the IceHogs this season was Dylan Sikura‘s emergence as a force to reckon with at the AHL level. While his well-hyped arrival in the Blackhawks organization has not lived up to the billing at the NHL level (11 points in 38 NHL games, no goals), Sikura tied Peter Holland for the highest points per game rate for the IceHogs this season at 0.76 points per game. In his first full professional year, Sikura finished third on the team in scoring, having played nearly 20 fewer games than the other Rockford scorers in the top five. He also finished eighth in rookie goal-scoring with 17 tallies on the year. Sikura becomes a restricted free agent this summer after completing a two-year deal with the Blackhawks organization.

Jordan Schroeder (62 games played, 19 goals, 26 assists)

Veteran forward Jordan Schroeder had one of his best AHL seasons of his career in 2018–19 with the IceHogs. Finishing with a career-high 45 points, Schroeder was consistently one of the most relied-upon players for the IceHogs. Paired with Holland down the stretch of the season, Schroeder found scoring chemistry with his newly acquired teammate and it showed. Over his final 25 games of the season, Schroeder tallied 21 points, including a five-game point streak and four multi-point games. Schroeder becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer after completing his one-year deal with the Blackhawks organization. 

Henri Jokiharju (30 games played, two goals, 15 assists)

While there is some debate whether or not Henri Jokiharju actually needed to play with the Rockford IceHogs this season, it showed that his time in the AHL made an impact on him on the ice. Jokiharju finished second on the team in scoring for defensemen (excluding Darren Raddysh), having played half as many games as the leading scorer in Lucas Carlsson. Jokiharju logged heavy minutes with the iceHogs and played in all situations. His 0.57 point per game pace was the highest on the team for defensemen and his plus-7 rating was tied with Sikura for the best rating on the roster. Jokiharju will be joining Finland’s World Championships camp this Summer. Jokiharju has two years remaining on his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks.

Luke Johnson (53 games played, 18 goals, 13 assists) 

After starting the season with the Chicago Blackhawks, Luke Johnson joined the IceHogs in late November for the remainder of the season, save for two games in December. Johnson set new AHL career-highs in goals and points this season, playing all over the lineup. One of the more consistent players on the roster this season, Johnson’s physical aspect of his game seemed unchanged as his ability to score and generate scoring chances improved from last season. Johnson becomes a restricted free agent this summer after completing his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks organization.

Collin Delia (26 games played, 13–8–4, 2.48 goals against average, 0.922 save percentage)

Along with Sikura, another major bright spot for the IceHogs and Blackhawks this season was the continued improvement and development of goaltender Collin Delia. After joining the organization last season and ascending from the ECHL Indy Fuel to the Chicago Blackhawks in one season, Delia again played major roles for both the Blackhawks and IceHogs. Finishing this season with the second-best save percentage in the AHL, Delia, along with Lankinen and Forsberg, made up the best goaltending group in the league this season based on save percentage. Many have speculated that he projects to be the future No. 1 goaltender in the Blackhawks organization and if he continues his development trajectory, he will be. Delia signed a three-year, $3 million contract extension with the Chicago Blackhawks this season, which kicks in next year.

Dennis Gilbert (63 games played, five goals, nine assists)

Winner of the team’s ‘Most Improved’ award this season, defenseman Dennis Gilbert truly came a long way from the beginning of the season. His confidence grew as the year progressed and his ice time increased. At the beginning of the year, Gilbert seemed to do little more than throw his weight around on the IceHogs’ blue line. But as they year went on, he began to open up more in the offensive zone while continuing to be a menace defensively. Gilbert ranked third on the active roster for scoring defensemen and led the team with seven fighting majors. Gilbert has two years remaining on his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks.

Matthew Highmore (12 games played, three goals, six assists) 

The 2018–19 season could have been much different for the Rockford IceHogs had Matthew Highmore been healthy the full year. After tallying seven points over his first eight games of the year, Highmore was lost to a shoulder injury for nearly five months. He returned at the beginning of April, only to re-injure the shoulder and not finish the season on the ice for the IceHogs. Highmore had a lot of promise heading into this season, having set the AHL franchise rookie goal scoring record in 2017–18. Highmore probably would have been like Sikura was this season, up and down with the Blackhawks had he been healthy, but his games lost for the IceHogs truly had an impact across the board. Highmore has one year remaining on his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks.

Anton Forsberg (32 games played, 15–15–2, 2.64 goals against average, 0.919 save percentage)

Much of what was said about Delia before can be repeated for Anton Forsberg this season. Consistently under-supported offensively, Forsberg took the majority of starts for the IceHogs this season after beginning the year as the backup in Chicago. His .919 save percentage finished as the fourth-best in the AHL this season. Forsberg becomes a restricted free agent this summer after completing a two-year contract with the Blackhawks he signed in the summer of 2017.

Victor Ejdsell (61 games played, 12 goals, 17 assists)

It is hard to label Victor Ejdsell‘s 2018–19 season a complete disappointment, but the expectations on him heading into the year certainly did not help his cause. Many, including myself, felt Ejdsell had a better than 50–50 chance of making the Chicago Blackhawks’ NHL roster coming out of training camp. He did not, nor did he receive a recall to the Blackhawks all season. Ejdsell dealt with injuries at times this year and only recently had found his stride within the offense. He still can show flashes of the scoring and playmaking ability that made him an intriguing prospect for the organization, but putting it all together consistently remains his issue. Ejdsell becomes a restricted free agent this summer after completing his two-year entry-level contract that he signed with the Nashville Predators in May of 2017.

Andrew Campbell (64 games played, three goals, five assists)

While there was little chance he would suit up for the Chicago Blackhawks this season, Andrew Campbell did everything asked and expected of him for the Rockford IceHogs this season. As he mentions in his exit interview, there is more to be measured that just numbers for his success this season. He was named a playing captain for the AHL Western Conference at the AHL All Star weekend this year, a testament to his longevity and leadership at the AHL level. Campbell served as a sort of assistant coach for the IceHogs this season, providing a veteran leadership presence for a young locker room. Campbell becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer after completing his one-year contract with the Blackhawks organization.

Alexandre Fortin (47 games played, six goals, six assists)

After a quick two-game stint with the IceHogs to begin the year, Alexandre Fortin joined the Blackhawks for a generous portion of the season, skating in 24 games at the NHL level, before rejoining the IceHogs for the remainder of the season. At multiple points over the two years that Fortin has spent with the Blackhawks and IceHogs organizations, he as shown the abilities to be a dangerous speedster who can create space and scoring chances with his feet. His downfall is his ability to actually finish those chances. Over the final 21 games of the season, Fortin tallied just three points. The abilities are there, but putting them together needs to be the next step for Fortin. He has one year remaining on his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks.

Andreas Martinsen (38 games played, three goals, eight assists)

Another forward who played a good portion of his 2018–19 season with the Chicago Blackhawks before coming to the Rockford IceHogs, Andreas Martinsen was exactly as expected in his time with the IceHogs: a physical player who can now and again contribute offensively and provide a veteran presence in the locker room, same as his role last season with the IceHogs. The problem is that he has more than likely reached his ceiling with the Blackhawks and IceHogs organizations. Martinsen becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer after completing his one-year contract with the Blackhawks.

Tyler Sikura (50 games played, seven goals, 12 assists)

Similar to the season of Victor Ejdsell, Tyler Sikura‘s 2018–19 campaign was a let down. After playing his first full season in the AHL last year and finishing second in the team in goals and third in points in 2017–18, the elder Sikura failed to reach that productivity this season. Hampered by injuries for a while this year, Tyler was now and again the net-front presence he was last season, but did not reach his same ice time nor did he have the same opportunities on the power play that he had last year. Like Martinsen, Tyler has more than likely also reached his ceiling with the IceHogs organization. He becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer after completing his one-year contract with the Blackhawks.

William Pelletier (41 games played, seven goals, 10 assists)

Rockford’s 2018–19 ‘Man of the Year,’ William Pelletier bounced back from missing nearly half of the season due to injury to provide jump and energy into the lineup late in the season. Pelletier’s highlight of the year came from scoring back-to-back goals just 13 seconds apart against the San Antonio Rampage on April 2 to spark an epic comeback win. Unfortunately, those were his final two points of the season. Pelletier plays above his 5-foot-7 frame and can provide a bit of offense at the AHL level. He becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer after completing his one-year AHL contract with the Rockford IceHogs.

Terry Broadhurst (40 games played, four goals, eight assists)

Hampered by injuries this season, Terry Broadhurst‘s return to the IceHogs did not really live up to what both he or the team maybe would have hoped for. Broadhurst started hot with five points in his first eight games with the IceHogs, but tallied just seven more points over his other 32 games played this season. At 30 years old, it is unclear what the next step will be for Broadhurst in his playing career, as he becomes an unrestricted free agent after completing his one-year contract with the Rockford IceHogs.

Blake Hillman (54 games played, one goal, three assists)

In and out of the lineup for a portion of the season, Blake Hillman seemed to stall in his development in his first full professional season. After joining the organization late last season, Hillman looked like he might be in line for a shot at the NHL roster entering last summer. He never took that next step. Inconsistent with the puck on his stick, Hillman still has a lot of hockey ahead of him and could be brought back into the mix next season. He becomes a restricted free agent this summer after completing his two-year entry-level contract with the Blackhawks.

Nathan Noel (46 games played, two goals, four assists) 

It is hard to get a true read on Nathan Noel. He has dealt with injuries the last two seasons with the IceHogs, but when healthy, he looks the part of a decent depth AHL player. He mixes speed, physicality and a good touch with the puck on his stick at times, but cannot find it consistently. He has one year remaining on his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks.

Josh McArdle (19 games played, one goal, two assists)

The first Rockford-area native to play for the IceHogs, Josh McArdle was a solid ECHL call-up for Rockford this season. He was able to step in during a thin stretch of the season for the iceHogs when they were dealing with injuries to the blue line. He played 33 games with the Indy Fuel in the ECHL this season, his first full professional season. McArdle becomes an unrestricted free agent after completing his one-year contract with the Rockford IceHogs.

Dmitry Osipov (Eight games played, zero goals, two assists)

A big-bodied defenseman like Dmitry Osipov was missing from the IceHogs roster for the majority of the season. While Gilbert and Campbell both weigh in at over 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, Gilbert was the only true physical presence in the defensive group for Rockford. Osipov, coming in at 6-foot-4 and 234 pounds, provided a physical element that King wanted more of in his lineup. Osipov played in 66 games with the Indy Fuel in the ECHL this season, totaling 13 points. He becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer after completing his contract with the Indy Fuel.

Reese Johnson (Six games played, zero goals, four assists)

A late-season signing from the Red Deer Rebels of the WHL, Reese Johnson stepped into the IceHogs’ lineup late in the season alongside his Red Deer teammate Brandon Hagel and made an immediate impact. Johnson showed flashes of playmaking skill and a high motor in his small sample of AHL play. He looks to be a part of the IceHogs’ lineup next season as he begins he three-year entry-level contract with the Blackhawks.

Brandon Hagel (Eight games played, zero goals, one assist)

Speaking of Hagel, the WHL’s fourth-leading scorer this season joined the IceHogs late in the year after signing as a junior free agent in October. While he only tallied one assist in his eight games with Rockford, Hagel’s scoring ability should make him a key figure for the organization to keep an eye on going into next season. He begins a three-year entry-level contract with the Blackhawks next season.

Philipp Kurashev (Three games played, zero points)

Another late-season addition for the IceHogs this year was QMJHL standout Philipp Kurashev. After leading the Quebec Remparts in scoring this season, Kurashev joined the IceHogs for their final three games of the season. While not tallying a point in those three games, Kurashev’s 125 points over the last two seasons with Quebec, paired with him showcasing his abilities at the World Juniors this past January, make him an exciting prospect for the Blackhawks and IceHogs heading into the summer. He begins a three-year entry-level contract with the Blackhawks next season.

The IceHogs’ 20th anniversary season did not end with another run at the Calder Cup, but it was far from unsuccessful.

https://twitter.com/goicehogs/status/1118597418000560128

For the depth of the Chicago Blackhawks organization, the IceHogs have plenty of players to be excited about for the future and be encouraged for how many of them are progressing in their careers.

What’s next?

A giant thank goes out to the great media and communications staff with the Rockford IceHogs for providing all the videos of the exit interviews.

The Calder Cup Playoffs begin this week, but not for the IceHogs. Stay tuned to The-Rink for more news and analysis on the Chicago Blackhawks organization, top to bottom, as the spring and summer roll along.

The post Rockford IceHogs 2018–19 season exit interviews appeared first on The Rink.

IceHogs Take Wins Over Manitoba, Iowa Into AHL All-Star Break

Heading into the weekend, the Rockford IceHogs were looking at a very real possibility of falling into dead last in the AHL Central Division, had they not earned points against either the Manitoba Moose or the Iowa Wild. In back-to-back home games, the IceHogs were able to secure four points out of a possible four, getting a shootout win over the Moose on Friday and a win in regulation over the Wild on Saturday night.

With those results, the IceHogs headed into the AHL All-Star Weekend sitting tied in sixth-place in the Central Division (19-19-8, 46 points) with the San Antonio Rampage based on points, but are tied for the bottom spot in the Division with the Manitoba Moose, based on point-percentage.

Rockford IceHogs def. Manitoba Moose, 4-3 (SO)

Kevin Lankinen would get the start on Friday night for the IceHogs against the Manitoba Moose. Lankinen had recorded just one win for the IceHogs since the Christmas Holiday break, going 1-3-2 over that stretch. Rockford found themselves trailing at the end of the first period thanks to a Moose powerplay goal from former IceHogs forward Marko Dano. His fifth goal of the year put Manitoba ahead 1-0 after the opening 20 minutes.

Rockford would be in a bigger hole in the second period as the Moose took a 2-0 lead just under three minutes into the second period thanks to Sami Niku‘s third goal of the season. Just past the mid-way point of the period, Luke Johnson would tally his sixth goal of the season, coming on the powerplay, to cut the Manitoba lead in half. But he one-goal deficit wouldn’t last long for the IceHogs as the Moose re-took a two-goal lead with less than five minutes to play in the middle frame after Michael Spacek‘s sixth goal of the season, the second Manitoba powerplay goal of the night.

Needing to find a big comeback in the third period, the IceHogs pushed to the final two minutes of the third period before finding a breakthrough goal. With two minutes to play, Dylan Sikura buried his team-leading 12th goal of the season to cut the Manitoba lead to 3-2. Then in dramatic fashion with Lankinen pulled, the IceHogs pulled even at 3-3 thanks to a Jordan Schroeder slap-shot with just seven seconds remaining in regulation. Schroeder’s 10th of the season sent the IceHogs and Moose to overtime, securing at least a point for both teams.

There would be no breakthrough for either team in the extra three-on-three period, so it would have to go to the shootout. Both Lucas Carlsson and Jordan Schroeder would convert their chances against Eric Comrie, and Lankinen shut the door on Logan Shaw and Seth Griffith to seal a comeback 4-3 win for the IceHogs in the shootout. Lankinen finished the game with 25 saves on 28 shots, improving his season record to 3-5-3, with a 2.50 GAA, and a 0.907 save-percentage.

Rockford IceHogs def. Iowa Wild, 3-1

Following Friday night’s comeback win, the IceHogs turned around and hosted the Iowa Wild on Saturday night in Rockford. On Rockford’s annual Autism Awareness Night, the IceHogs wore special uniforms and had a special night in store for the home crowd.

Anton Forsberg got the start for the IceHogs, coming into the game dropping six of his last seven starts in regulation since the Christmas Holiday break. One thing that Forsberg was able to take advantage of on Saturday night was the IceHogs’ discipline, taking just two penalties on the night and allowing the Wild just one powerplay, which the IceHogs were able to kill-off.

After a scoreless first period, the IceHogs would get on the board first, thanks to a powerplay goal from Jacob Nilsson on Rockford’s only powerplay opportunity of the night. Nilsson’s 11th goal of the year gave the IceHogs the lead early in the second period, but it would be Iowa’s Louie Belpedio scoring his fourth goal of the season with just 20 seconds left in the period that would force a 1-1 tie game into the third period.

Rockford responded early in the third period to break the 1-1 tie game thanks to Terry Broadhurst‘s fourth goal of the season. Broadhurst, who just broke-out of a 23-game goalless streak, now has goals in two of his last three games and is on a three-game points streak. Rockford held their 2-1 lead through the rest of the period, and with the Iowa net open late in the game, Luke Johnson netted his seventh goal of the season to make it a 3-1 final score.

Anton Forsberg ended the night with 33 saves on 34 shots faced, improving his record this season to 9-9-1, with a 2.68 GAA and a 0.917 save-percentage. Forsberg also tallied his first assist of the season, getting a secondary credit on the Johnson empty-net goal, his fourth AHL point of his career.

Following the weekend’s action, the IceHogs special teams took a bit of a hit in the overall rankings as the powerplay dropped to 15.1-percent on the season. Rockford ranks 30th in the AHL on the man-advantage this season, but ranks 19th in powerplay opportunities with 179. On the penalty-kill, the IceHogs are doing much better with an 82.8-percent kill-rate, ranking them 8th in the AHL. The IceHogs rank 14th in the AHL with 180 times short-handed this season.

At the AHL All-Star Break, Anthony Louis leads the IceHogs in points with 27 (10 G, 17 A), followed by Dylan Sikura with 26 points (12 G, 14 A), and Jordan Schroeder with 24 points (10 G, 14 A) this season.

Andrew Campbell Shines At AHL All-Star Skills Competition

Following the back-to-back wins, the IceHogs headed into the AHL All-Star Break, except for defenseman Andrew Campbell. Campbell was honored with being named the AHL’s Western Conference playing Captain for the AHL All-Star Weekend, becoming the lone IceHogs representative after Collin Delia’s recall to the Chicago Blackhawks.

Absolute power move by The Captain. Lets the jock hang free in a locker room full of All-Stars #AHLAllStar pic.twitter.com/BgTc1LKIq4

— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) January 27, 2019

Campbell, in his 11th season as a pro, was named the playing Captain for the Western Conference to make his first AHL All-Star appearance in his career. Campbell has played in 695 AHL games in his 11 professional seasons with 145 points. He also has skated in 42 NHL games since being drafted in 2008 by the Los Angeles Kings.

#2 on the ice, but #1 in our heart pic.twitter.com/7wVMBxuXUg

— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) January 28, 2019

Competing in the Hardest Shot and the Team Breakaway Relay events, Campbell showed his power with the slap-shot, hitting triple digit with a 100.0 MPH clapper on his third attempt. Only Lehigh Valley Phantoms forward Greg Carey would hit a harder shot, winning the contest with a 100.4 MPH slap-shot.

Campbell in the CCM Hardest Shot:
98.3
99.5

…And 100.0 Pure Brawn pic.twitter.com/8O8j228knO

— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) January 28, 2019

In the Breakaway Relay event, Campbell was able to put one home against Hershey Bears goaltender Vitek Vanecek, helping the Western Conference overcome the Eastern Conference to win the AHL All-Stars Skills Competition, 17-14.

Soups is playing chess and everyone else is playing checkers

The Captain shoots first, purposely lulls the goalie to sleep, and the Western Conference goes on to win the Breakaway Relay pic.twitter.com/Gm8RRCS3rr

— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) January 28, 2019

Stick taps from his whole squad as Campbell skates over to accept the trophy for the Western Conference's win tonight

Orange slices and Capri Sun for everyone, and we're back at it tomorrow night! pic.twitter.com/ktWu3ItTDl

— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) January 28, 2019

Campbell joins the AHL Central Division All-Stars on Monday night for the AHL All-Star Challenge, pitting all four divisions against each other in three-on-three games in a round-robin format. The Central start the night against the Atlantic Division, before taking on the North Division and then finishing against the Pacific Division in the round-robin portion. The AHL All-Star Challenge begins on Monday at 7pm ET in Springfield, Massachusetts.

What’s Next?

The Rockford IceHogs return to action following the AHL All-Star break on Friday, February 1 as they host the Chicago Wolves in another installment of the Illinois Lottery Cup Rivalry this season. Following Friday night’s game in Rockford, the IceHogs travel North to Milwaukee to take on the Admirals on Saturday night.

Puck drop on Friday at the BMO Harris Bank Center is scheduled for 7pm CT. The IceHogs hold a 4-3-1 record against the Wolves this season. On Saturday night, puck drop is scheduled for 7pm CT at the UW-Panther Arena in Milwaukee. The IceHogs hold a 3-2-1 record against the Admirals this season.

The post IceHogs, Campbell Excel Over AHL All-Star Break appeared first on The Rink.

Collin Delia Named To AHL All-Star Roster

Two different paths to the AHL All-Star game, but two well-deserved honors for Collin Delia and Andrew Campbell this season. For what has been an up and down year for the IceHogs, there have been at least two constants with the play from Delia in net, and the on and off the ice professionalism and leadership ability of Campbell.

For Delia, entering his second season with the IceHogs has been much different from entering his first with the organization. This time last year, Delia had just four starts to his name in the AHL, a 1-3-0 record with a 3.33 GAA, and a 0.838 save-percentage. Also, his time with the Indy Fuel wasn’t any better and the prospect from Rancho Cucamonga was looking more and more like a project, than a future NHL starter. Fast forward one year and Delia has turned into one of the top net-minders in the AHL and is looking more and more like a regular spot with the Blackhawks is in his near future.

This season for Delia, while playing behind the second-lowest scoring offense in the AHL, he has a 7-5-4 record with a 2.34 GAA and a 0.933 save-percentage. His GAA ranks 4th in the AHL among qualified goalies and his save-percentage is the best in the league, albeit he has not played for the IceHogs in the AHL since December 16, a 37-save performance in a 2-1 Rockford win.

Collin Delia is all smiles for the Rockford IceHogs. (Courtesy: Kate Dibildox)

There in-lies the issue with Delia being named to the AHL Central Division All-Star roster. He has not played with the team since mid-December and with the way he has played with the Blackhawks since being recalled, paired with the uncertainty behind the health of Corey Crawford, it appears Delia will not be heading back to the AHL anytime soon. In his four starts with the Blackhawks, Delia has a 3-0-1 record with a 1.98 GAA and a 0.952 save-percentage, coming off a 47-save performance in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Islanders on Thursday night.

Much like last season for the IceHogs around this time of year when defenseman Erik Gustafsson and forward Vince Hinostroza were named to the AHL All-Star game but were playing with the Blackhawks, a replacement will more than likely be needed.

Enter Anton Forsberg.

Last season, two players from the IceHogs were named in place of Gustafsson and Hinostroza as Matthew Highmore and Carl Dahlstrom took their places. If Delia isn’t going to be back in the AHL by the time the All-Star weekend rolls around, then Forsberg would take his place.

Rockford IceHogs goaltender Anton Forsberg. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

The tenure with the Blackhawks organization for Forsberg has been an odd one. Last season he was brought in to be the backup to Corey Crawford, but once Crawford went down to injury, Forsberg’s play was inconsistent and he couldn’t hold the NHL net away from the likes of Delia, Jeff Glass, and J.F. Berube. Forsberg then came into this season with a still inactive Crawford and Cam Ward to battle for ice-time in net, ultimately losing out to the former Stanley Cup winner in Ward and returning to Rockford to split time with Delia.

He has racked up a 7-5-1 record with a 2.82 GAA and a 0.911 save-percentage with the IceHogs this season and if Delia doesn’t play in the AHL All-Star weekend, the replacement nomination could be a bit of a consolation prize for Forsberg in his time with the organization.

What’s Next?

The IceHogs return to action on Friday night as they travel to Iowa to take on the Iowa Wild in the first of a home-and-home series. Puck drop for Friday night’s game is set for 7pm CT at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. After that, the IceHogs return home to face the Wild on Sunday afternoon. Puck drop on Sunday is set for 4pm CT at the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford. The IceHogs hold a 1-2-1 record against the Wild this season.

The post IceHogs Goalie Collin Delia Named AHL All-Star appeared first on The Rink.

The IceHogs finish their pre-holiday break portion of the schedule going 4-0-1 over their last five games and hold a 15-10-6 record.

Rockford IceHogs def. Milwaukee Admirals, 4-3 (OT)

On Wednesday, Rockford concluded a four-game homestand with an overtime win over the Milwaukee Admirals. Jan Rutta netted the game-winner in overtime, his first goal with the IceHogs, to seal the four-goal comeback, 4-3 over Milwaukee.

Milwaukee opened the game with three first period goals, two coming on the powerplay, to put the IceHogs in a hole early in the game. After a Dennis Gilbert-Duncan Siemens fight later in the opening period, the IceHogs offense was sparked and got on the board late in the period thanks to Jacob Nilsson. Rockford would cut the game to 3-2 in the second period with Tyler Sikura‘s sixth goal of the season, assisted by Gilbert and William Pelletier, making his season-debut with Rockford.

The Rockford IceHogs celebrate and overtime victory over the Milwaukee Admirals. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

The game-tying goal would come in the third period from Darren Raddysh. His sixth of the season, giving him a share of the team-lead in points with 18 at that time. The game would head to overtime, signalling the fifth time in seven games that Rockford would need the extra period and eight of their last ten games since Nov. 24 that have been decided by one-goal. In overtime, Alexandre Fortin would intercept an Admirals offensive-zone pass, carry the puck into the IceHogs’ zone and complete a tic-tac-toe passing play with Anthony Louis to feed Jan Rutta for the game-winner.

Both Louis (2 A) and Tyler SIkura (G, A) nothced multi-point games while Anton Forsberg got the win, making 27 saves on 30 shots faced.

Rockford IceHogs def. Chicago Wolves, 5-4 (OT)

The IceHogs entered Friday night’s contest against the Chicago Wolves on a four-game point streak, having won three of those four games. With a chance to jump into the top-three of the Central Division, Rockford took yet another game down to the wire, coming out on top in overtime, 5-4 over the Wolves.

Anton Forsberg started in net for the IceHogs and was challenged early on. Less than two minutes into the opening frame and the Wolves had already pout four shots on net against him. It would finally break for the Wolves with a 1-0 goal coming mid-way through the period. But, just under three minutes later, the IceHogs would tie the game on a powerplay goal from Jacob Nilsson. His sixth goal of the year tied the game at 1-1 heading into the second period.

After being out-shot 13-6 in the first period, the IceHogs jumped out of the gate in the second period and took a 2-1 lead less than a minute in. Alexandre Fortin threw a puck on net that deflected off a Wolves defender and into the net. Fortin’s first of the year was shortly followed up with his second of the year just about three minutes later. Fortin was able to put home a scramble-rebound chance and give the IceHogs a 3-1 lead early in the period. But the Wolves would respond with two goals of their own in the period and tie the game at 3-3 heading into the third period.

In a tightly contested third period, it looked as if the IceHogs were headed to another overtime game, but late in the period, Lucas Carlsson would net his fifth goal of the year to give Rockford the 4-3 lead late in the period. With a chance to ice the game on an empty-net chance, Graham Knott battled for the puck but couldn’t get enough space to put home the game-sealing goal. On the ensuing rush, the Wolves tied the game on Gage Quinney‘s eighth goal of the year. Yet again heading to overtime.

In the overtime period, the Wolves out-shot and out-chanced the IceHogs but were shutdown by Forsberg at every turn. Late in the extra frame, Nilsson got the puck to Anthony Louis with a head of steam, Louis drove to the net and laid the puck off for Darren Raddysh who buried it in the back of the net for the 5-4 game-winning goal. Raddysh’s seventh of the year gave the IceHogs their third straight win, fourth in their last five games.

Nilsson, Carlsson, Fortin, and Jordan Schroeder all tallied multi-point nights, with Nilsson having a three-point night (G, 2 A). Anthony Louis’ assist on the game-winner marked his fifth game in-a-row with a point. Louis has six assists over his last five games.

Anton Forsberg finished with 32 saves on 36 shots, moving his record to 7-3-1 (5-0-0 on the road) with a 2.76 GAA and a 0.912 save-percentage.

Andrew Campbell Named AHL All-Star Captain

On Thursday, AHL President and Chief Executive Officer David Andrews announced that Lehigh Valley Phantoms forward Colin McDonald and Rockford IceHogs defenseman Andrew Campbell were selected as the playing captains for the 2019 Lexus AHL All-Star Classic  to be held January 27-28 in Springfield, Mass. It will be Campbell’s first AHL All-Star appearance.

Captains for the American Hockey League All-Star teams are selected by the league president each year in recognition of their outstanding leadership and service.

Campbell is in his 11th AHL season and his first in the Chicago Blackhawks organization. He has skated in 679 AHL games with Rockford, Tucson Roadrunners, Toronto Marlies, Portland Pirates and Manchester Monarchs, totaling 142 points (34 G, 108 A) while serving as either captain or an alternate for all five teams. Campbell has played 42 games in the NHL with the Los Angeles Kings, Arizona Coyotes, and Toronto Maple Leafs, tallying two assists in his time.

Andrew Campbell of the Rockford IceHogs. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

In 25 games with the IceHogs this season, Campbell has one goal and a minus-one rating with 14 penalty minutes.

What’s Next?

The IceHogs are off through the holidays and return to action on Wednesday Dec. 26 against the Chicago Wolves. Beginning back-to-back road games, puck drop on Wednesday is set for 7pm CT at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont. Following that, the IceHogs are on the road taking on the Iowa Wild on Friday, Dec. 28. Puck drop is set for 6pm CT at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

The post IceHogs Take Point Streak Into Holiday Break appeared first on The Rink.

But, on the other hand, there could end up being more to this deal for either or both teams.

Jordan Oesterle goes to Arizona, and the Hawks pick up three guys who are either prospects (Mackenzie Entwistle), or AHLers/fringe NHLers (Andrew Campbell and Jordan Maletta). Meh.

To my eye, the “x factors” in this deal are center Marcus Kruger and RW Vince Hinostroza.

If Kruger can regain some or (who knows?) all of the form he had in 2015, then this could go down as a pretty shrewd deal for Hawk GM Stan Bowman. Conversely, Hinostroza may get the opportunity to be a regular top 6 forward in Arizona that he probably wasn’t going to get in Chicago. Will he produce—and more importantly—will he help elevate the rebuilding Coyotes in that role? Or will the Coyotes slot Hinostroza—and develop him—as I and others always felt the Hawks should have, as Kris Draper/Darren Helm 2.0: a fast, energetic, tough as nails guy to play against, with some occasional offense, who can be an absolute gem in a lower line role?

Kruger has battled injury for much of the last three years—a couple of wrist injuries and a sports hernia last year. Still, in 48 games with the Hurricanes last year, he was 55% in the faceoff dot.

Kruger never lit up the scoresheet in Chicago, and he became a whipping boy for Hawks’ fans when he signed a 3 year, $10 million deal after the last Cup. But the reality is, a healthy Marcus Kruger was the kind of guy who helps NHL teams win games, and series and Cups (not unlike the aforementioned Draper and Helm). Because he filled some important lower line/utility roles that not any bum can fill. Killing penalties, shadowing opponents’ top centers, driving a really effective shutdown/energy line.

The question is, is he still that kind of player. As of this writing, I don’t know what the Hawks’ scouting is on his health, and in truth, they may not even have any assurances. In that regard, Kruger could be nothing more than salary and a contract slot coming the other way to soften the cap hit for Arizona, at the same time a lottery ticket for Bowman.

Because if Kruger is relatively healthy this year, can still wein faceoffs and play his style of game, which is a lot bigger than his 6’1”, 190 pounds, then Stan Bowman very adroitly filled an underappreciated need on his team going into next season.

Which leads this narrative to another “overpaid” whipping boy: Jonathan Toews.

As far as Toews’ dropoff since 2015, there have been numerous theories. “Doesn’t care.” “Vegan.” “Takes too many supplements.” “Back injury” (which at least was legitimate season before last).

But one theory that I’ve heard from a team source, and has been echoed by Eddie Olczyk and others, is that when Toews is forced to do too much work, specifically taking faceoffs in too many situations, it detracts from his overall game, especially his offense.

Here’s the thing—winning faceoffs in the NHL is hard, physical work. And the two “centers” who follow Toews on the depth chart (Nick Schmaltz and Artem Anisimov) aren’t very good at it. So is killing penalties.

These were two things Kruger did a lot of from 2013-2015, so Toews didn’t have to—or not as much.

So if (and again, at this point, it’s a big “if”), Kruger is physically good enough this year to resume that role, in some form, there could be a subtle, yet important ripple effect for the entire Hawk team.

Or just some cap hit to absorb as a part of the cost of losing Marian Hossa’s cap hit. There was some speculation yesterday that the move was a cap clearing precursor to another deal—which I heard later in the afternoon had added urgency to some discussions I first reported a couple of weeks ago between the Hawks and Canadiens around Max Pacioretty.

Having reported on rumors for 9 years now, I can tell you that many, many more conversations happen than actual deals—and those big, seismic moves are exceedingly rare. So yesterday’s deal may end up being what it is. For better, worse or just moving some money around.

All I have for now. Follow @jaeckel and comment below.

The post What the Hossa trade really means appeared first on The Rink.

Chicago sent the remaining three years of Marian Hossa‘s contract, forward Vinnie Hinostroza, and defenseman Jordan Oesterle and a 2019 3rd round pick to the Arizona Coyotes for Marcus Kruger, MacKenzie Entwistle, Jordan Maletta, defenseman Andrew Campbell and a fifth-round pick in 2019.

Hossa has been all but retired since it was announced that he was suffering for years from a painful skin condition.  The Blackhawks were able to use his $5.25 million cap hit against long term injured reserved last season.  The team only paid Hossa $1 million in actual dollars.

Vinnie Hinostroza was drafted the Blackhawks in the 6th round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, and signed with the team after finishing his 2014-15 season for Notre Dame.  He finally came into his own last season amassing 25 points (7G, 18A) with the Blackhawks, after leading the Rockford Icehogs in scoring early on.

Jordan Oesterle was signed as a free agent last summer after playing in the Edmonton system.  In a bit of a breakout year, Oesterle put up 15 points (5G, 10A) in 55 games for the Blackhawks.  He became expendable with the flurry of young defensemen in the system signed to entry level deals this spring.

Coming back to the Blackhawks is a familiar face, in Marcus Kruger.  Kruger was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights last summer for future considerations and then flipped to the Carolina Hurricanes shortly after.  The Hurricanes traded Kruger to the Coyotes in may after a very disappointing season that led Kruger to play in the AHL towards the end of the season.

Also, coming to the Blackhawks are prospects MacKenzie Entwistle, Jordan Maletta, and Andrew Campbell.

Entwistle is an 18 year-old 6’3″ 175 lbs right wing drafted in 2017 by Arizona in the 3rd round of the NHL Entry Draft. This last season he put up 38 points in 49 games for the Hamilton Bulldogs of the OHL.

Jordan Meletta is a 23 year-old 6’3″ 216 lbs center that played all of his pro career with the Cleveland Monsters and Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL. He will probaby be assigned to the Rockford Icehogs.

Andrew Campbell is a 30 year-old 6’4” 205 lbs AHL veteran defenseman that will likely take the spot of the departed Cody Franson, Adam Clendening and Viktor Svedberg.

The post BREAKING: Blackhawks Trade Hossa/Hinostroza/Oesterle to Arizona appeared first on The Rink.