Cody Franson Made The Most Of Disappointing 2017-18 Season

Injured in December, Franson lost his spot in the Blackhawks defensive rotation and was assigned to the Rockford IceHogs on January 9. After 23 games with Chicago, Franson tallied seven points (1 G, 6A) but was heading back to the AHL after 9 seasons. Franson’s last stint in the AHL was during the 2009-10 season with the Milwaukee Admirals and was a six-game stint.

Cody Franson (left) makes a pass against the Manitoba Moose in Game One of the Calder Cup Western Conference Semi-Finals. (Courtesy: Manitoba Moose)

As soon as Franson joined the IceHogs, his impact was felt on the offensive-side of the ice. Franson played 37 games, tallying 28 points (9G, 19A) and was a force on the IceHogs powerplay along with Chris DiDomenico and Adam Clendening, all who joined Rockford late in the season. Franson finished the regular season with a 0.76 point per game pace, meaning over a full 76-game schedule for the AHL season, Franson was on pace for 58 points, which would have been the highest point total of any defenseman in the 2017-18 season.

Franson’s consistency continued into the Calder Cup Playoffs as he finished the IceHogs’ 13-game run with 13 points (6G, 7A), highlighted by a two-goal effort in the Game Four sweep-clinching game against the Manitoba Moose in the Western Conference Semi-Finals.

Final Season Grade: A-

While the season did not go the way that he would have like, Franson continued to play at a high-level and was a complete professional in the locker room. Rockford head coach Jeremy Colliton praised Franson’s leadership of the IceHogs’ young locker room and while wasn’t thrilled with the situation, took the reigns as a leader on the team.

Future Outlook

At the end of the season, it was pretty clear through Franson’s words that he would not be re-signing with the Blackhawks this offseason. An unrestricted free-agent this summer, Franson’s legs are not what they once were, but his shot and offensive vision from the blue-line are still at the NHL-level. At 30-years old, turning 31 in August, Franson is far from a worn-down commodity and could give another club a solid option as a third-pairing defenseman for relatively cheap.

The post Rockford IceHogs 2017-18 Season Review: Cody Franson appeared first on The Rink.

In one of the more memorable season’s in Rockford IceHogs AHL history, the team accomplished a tremendous amount together and individually in the 2017-18 season. To note a few:

• Furthest run in the Calder Cup Playoffs, including deepest postseason run since 2007 Colonial Cup win (UHL).
• Chris DiDomenico sets franchise record for postseason point total (18 points, 13 games)
• Matthew Highmore sets franchise rookie goal-scoring record (24 goals)
• Adam Clendening sets franchise all-time assists and points record for a defenseman (122 assists, 148 points)
• Carl Dahlstrom becomes 100th IceHogs player to reach the NHL
• Vince Hinostroza and Erik Gustafsson named AHL All-Stars, replaced by Matthew Highmore and Carl Dahlstrom at AHL All-Star Classic

Rockford IceHogs Exit Interviews

(Key: Regular Season Stats / Calder Cup Playoff Stats)

Head Coach Jeremy Colliton

In his first season coaching in North America, Colliton led the Rockford IceHogs back to the Calder Cup Playoffs after a last-place finish in the Central Division last season. At just 33-years old, Colliton is already proving his worth to the Chicago Blackhawks organization and maybe, just maybe, a possible replacement for Blackhawks Head Coach Joel Quenneville in the near future.

Cody Franson, Defenseman – 37 GP, 9 G, 19 A / 13 GP, 6 G, 7 A

Cody Franson‘s 2017-18 season did not go as planned. He signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks, expecting to be a top-six defenseman for the NHL club. Those plans changed mid-way through the season and he finished the year with the IceHogs. One of the leading point scorers in the regular season and playoffs, Franson made the most of his stint in Rockford and helped propel the IceHogs offensively and defensively.

Adam Clendening, Defenseman – (38 GP, 4 G, 26 A / 13 GP, 1 G, 13 A)

Much like Franson, Adam Clendening did not expect his 2017-18 season to wind up with the Rockford IceHogs. Acquired via trade with the Arizona Coyotes, Clendening re-joined the IceHogs late in the season and made his reunion count. Leading all Rockford defensemen in points in the regular season and playoffs, Clendening was a big part of the trio of veteran players that led the IceHogs through the Calder Cup Playoffs alongside Franson and Chris DiDomenico.

Chris DiDomenico, Forward – (22 GP, 8 G, 15 A / 13 GP, 7 G, 11 A)

Rounding out the trio of players who all joined the IceHogs late in the year, but had some of the biggest impacts in their time with the team, Chris DiDomenico also found his 2017-18 season come to a close with the IceHogs via a trade. Late in the season, DiDomenico  joined Rockford and immediately made his presence known on the ice and in the locker room. Head Coach Jeremy Colliton praised DiDomenico’s contributions to the roster mentally and physically, saying he brought the feeling to the group that on any given night, they should come away winners. Over his last 35 games combined, DiDomenico put up 41 points.

Jeff Glass, Goaltender – (28 GP, 15-9-2, 2.82 GAA, .904 SV% / 3 GP, 2-1, 1.48 GAA, .955 SV%)

What a ride the 2017-18 season was for goaltender Jeff Glass. A journeyman net-minder, who has played the majority of his career in the KHL, becomes the starting goalie for the Rockford IceHogs and Chicago Blackhawks at different points of the season. At 32-years old, Glass made his NHL debut with Chicago and tallied three wins in the big league. With Rockford, Glass continued to lead the IceHogs through tough stretches of the season and graciously took a back seat at the beginning of the Calder Cup Playoffs to Collin Delia. When called back upon in the postseason, Glass gave the IceHogs every chance to complete an improbable comeback, before ultimately coming up just two wins short of the Calder Cup Final.

Collin Delia, Goaltender – (28 GP, 17-7-4, 2.72 GAA, .900 SV% / 10 GP, 7-3, 2.34 GAA, .924 SV%)

Speaking of wild rides this season, Collin Delia had one of the more unbelievable start to finishes this year for the IceHogs. Starting the year with the Indy Fuel in the ECHL, making his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks, and leading the Rockford IceHogs into the Calder Cup Playoffs, Delia was the most improved player from day one. Having a stretch from early January to the end of the regular season, Delia lost just a handful of games, with the majority of those losses coming in overtime or the shootout. It goes without saying that the IceHogs would not have been in the position they were in the final six weeks of the season without Delia. Oh, and he was named the Rockford IceHogs Man of the Year.

Lance Bouma, Forward – (20 GP, 7 G, 7 A / 13 GP, 1 G, 1 A)

Lance Bouma found himself in similar shoes as Cody Franson did with the Chicago Blackhawks this season. Signing a one-year contract, Bouma started the year as a regular in the Blackhawks’ lineup, but as the year progressed his play wasn’t what Chicago needed and the opportunity to give players with more of a future with the organization arose. Thus, Bouma headed to Rockford and made the most of his situation, providing a physical presence on the ice and a leadership quality in the locker room.

Tanner Kero, Forward – (36 GP, 8 G, 12 A / 12 GP, 0 G, 3 A)

Tanner Kero dealt with injuries on and off this season, which was a factor in him having a less-than-stellar outing with the Chicago Blackhawks this year. Being one of the players on the fence between the NHL and AHL in the organization, Kero saw his spot as a bottom-six center with Chicago go to David Kampf and found himself with the IceHogs. Once healthy, he was a consistent presence for Rockford during the regular season and Calder Cup Playoffs.

John Hayden, Forward – (24 GP, 5 G, 12 A / 13 GP, 3 G, 0 A)

One of the younger players that plays on that same NHL/AHL fence for the Chicago Blackhawks organization, John Hayden could have taken his assignments to the Rockford IceHogs this season as a negative. But, to Hayden’s credit, he played well and understood that his time with the IceHogs this season was to give him time to develop his game. Playing with Chicago, Hayden’s game started to deviate from size and skill, to size and slam. Hayden has more to offer than just a big-bodied player and with Rockford, Hayden was able to play more meaningful minutes and find his skill-set at the pro level. A restricted free agent this summer, the Blackhawks will more than likely sign Hayden and make him a part of the bottom-six in Chicago next season.

Tyler Sikura, Forward – (74 GP, 23 G, 16 A / 13 GP, 5 G, 1 A)

Next to Collin Delia, Tyler Sikura was one of the most improved players over the course of the season. In his first full-year in the AHL, Sikura scored 23 goals (2nd on the team) and earned himself his first NHL deal with the Chicago Blackhawks. Sikura can find himself in a position battle for a bottom-six forward spot with Chicago next year as he showed that he has a scoring touch around the net for the IceHogs and can play physical when called upon.

Andreas Martinsen, Forward – (64 GP, 12 G, 16 A / 13 GP, 2 G, 3 A)

Joining the IceHogs right as the 2017-18 season began, Andreas Martinsen was brought in to the organization to help lead a young locker room early on. Far from a grizzled veteran, Martinsen brought some NHL experience to a locker room in Rockford that started the year with nearly a dozen players making their first year pro debuts. Martinsen was a leader on and off the ice for the IceHogs and provided consistent physical play throughout the year and into the Calder Cup Playoffs. Martinsen was also able to get a few NHL games under his belt with the Blackhawks late in the NHL season.

David Kampf, Forward – (33 GP, 7 G, 11 A / 13 GP, 1 G, 0 A)

David Kampf came into the Chicago Blackhawks organization with a ton of question marks surrounding him. A free agent signing from Europe, the 23-year old Czech Center joined the IceHogs out of training camp and was a player that head coach Jeremy Colliton gave a large amount of ice-time to. It worked in Kampf’s favor as he was recalled to the Blackhawks mid-way through the season and would only re-join the IceHogs with a few games remaining in the regular season. While only scoring one playoff point, Kampf created a ton of offensive chances. He’ll figure to be in the mix for a bottom-six position with Chicago next year.

Carl Dahlstrom, Defenseman – (64 GP, 3 G, 25 A / 13 GP, 3 G, 6 A)

The 2017-18 season narrative of the Rockford IceHogs continued to be young talent making huge improvements all season, and for defenseman Carl Dahlstrom, that narrative rang true. A sizable defender, Dahlstrom more than doubled his point production from last season in fewer games played. Named an AHL All-Star replacement for Erik Gustafsson, Dahlstrom also made his NHL debut with the Blackhawks during the 2017-18 campaign and will figure to challenge for a spot on Chicago’s blue-line next season.

Gustav Forsling, Defenseman – (18 GP, 2 G, 3 A / 13 GP, 1 G, 4 A)

One of the more interesting defenseman in the Chicago Blackhawks organization, Gustav Forsling had a difficult 2017-18 season. Bouncing between the Blackhawks and Rockford IceHogs, Forsling dealt with injuries that hindered his season. But, when healthy, Forsling showed flashes of why the Blackhawks still have a ton of faith that he will be able to play the role of a defenseman who can jump into the offense and produce points in the NHL. At 21-years old (turning 22 in mid-June), Forsling still has room for development, but figures to be in the mix for a spot on Chicago’s blue-line next season.

Robin Norell, Defenseman – (63 GP, 2 G, 5 A / No Playoff Stats)

Robin Norell had an odd 2017-18 season. As a defenseman, Norell played solid on both ends of the ice for the IceHogs, but ultimately found himself dressing for more games as a forward than a defender. Once the latter half of the season rolled around, and the Rockford blue-line took shape, Norell saw his spot in the lineup go away and he did not dress for the Calder Cup Playoffs. He’ll more than likely figure to be a part of the IceHogs defensive core again next season.

Viktor Svedberg, Defenseman – (73 GP, 6 G, 18 A / 13 GP, 0 G, 5 A)  

A stalwart in the Rockford IceHogs organization for the last few years, Viktor Svedberg had arguably his best season of his career in 2017-18. His highest point total in his AHL career (24 points), Svedberg had a decent shot with the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2015-16 season, playing in 24 NHL games, but it seems as if the organization may have moved on from the towering Swedish defenseman. An unrestricted free agent this summer, it will be interesting to see if the Blackhawks bring Svedberg back, as he has become an integrated part of the Rockford organization, but may not have an NHL future with Chicago.

Matt Tomkins, Goaltender – (8 GP, 1-4-2, 4.04 GAA, .871 SV%) / (No Playoff Stats)

Another goalie for the IceHogs who did a fair share of bouncing around this season was Matt Tomkins. While largely only playing in a backup role with the IceHogs, Tomkins was another first-year pro who made his debut with Rockford this season. Tomkins figures to be a starting option in net for the ECHL Indy Fuel next season, but could be a challenger for some AHL time too.

Victor Ejdsell, Forward – (5 GP, 0 G, 1 A) / (13 GP, 7 G, 5 A)

Acquired in the Ryan Hartman trade with the Nashville Predators, Victor Ejdsell came into the Chicago Blackhawks organization late in the year and quickly took the sting away from the Hartman deal for many fans. A big-bodied forward, Ejdsell played a handful of game with the Blackhawks and Rockford IceHogs once he arrived in North America and showed flashes of quick hands and a powerful shot from the wings. Ejdsell was a huge factor for the IceHogs in the Calder Cup Playoffs, scoring two overtime goals over the 13-game run. Ejdsell should get a chance with the Blackhawks early on next season.

Henrik Samuelsson, Forward – (25 GP, 9 G, 3 A) / (4 GP, 0 G, 0 A)

Henrik Samuelsson joined the IceHogs late in the season from the ECHL Idaho Steelheads and jumped right into the lineup in a way. Scoring a goal in each of his first three games, Samuelsson is a former-first round pick making his way back to the top leagues of North America. A big-bodied forward, Samuelsson was scratched to start the Calder Cup Playoffs for the IceHogs, but found his way back into the lineup later in the postseason. Samuelsson signed an extension into next season and should factor into the Rockford lineup as a regular.

Graham Knott, Forward – (70 GP, 4 G, 5 A) / (No Playoff Stats)

Another first-year pro making his debut with the Rockford IceHogs this season, Graham Knott had an underwhelming first year. Nine points in 70 games played for the former second-round pick by the Chicago Blackhawks, Knott played a fourth-line role all season for Rockford before being scratched for the Calder Cup Playoffs. Another large-bodied forward, Knott will need to improve his strength and skating over the summer, but will have a spot with the IceHogs next season.

Darren Raddysh, Defenseman – (66 GP, 5 G, 17 A) / (9 GP, 0 G, 2 A)

Making his professional debut with the Rockford IceHogs this season, Darren Raddysh played his way into and NHL contract with the Chicago Blackhawks while in the midst of the Calder Cup Playoffs. Raddysh was a regular in the IceHogs defensive core, but was a scratch for the final few games of the postseason. He’ll be a factor in the Rockford blue-line again next season, maybe with an outside chance at making his NHL debut in 2018-19.

Luke Johnson, Forward – (73 GP, 13 G, 17 A) / (13 GP, 4 G, 4 A)

Luke Johnson made a huge leap from the 2016-17 to 2017-18 season. Playing in 73 games again this season, Johnson doubled his point production from last season and saw his on and off-ice responsibilities increase under head coach Jeremy Colliton. Johnson should be a key player for the IceHogs next season and could even make his NHL debut with the Blackhawks next season if Chicago gets bitten with injuries.

Nathan Noel, Forward – (17 GP, 1 G, 0 A) / (No Playoff Stats)

Nathan Noel had a tough season in his first year as a pro. Dealing with injuries and playing on the fence between the Rockford IceHogs in the AHL and the Indy Fuel in the ECHL, Noel made the most of his time with Rockford but left more to be desired. Next season should provide more opportunities for Noel at the AHL level, but he’ll need an impressive summer.

Matheson Iacopelli, Forward – (50 GP, 11 G, 8 A) / (No Playoff Stats)

One of the more interesting cases for the Chicago Blackhawks and Rockford IceHogs organizations, Matheson Iacopelli has the skill-set to be a regular contributor at the AHL level and his shot has been said to be NHL quality. But, for some reason, although scoring at a 0.40 point per game pace over his 58 AHL games, Iacopelli was scratched and even sent to the Indy Fuel in the ECHL late in the season. In 10 games with Indy, Iacopelli scored 10 points (9 G, 1 A) and was quickly brought back to Rockford, but didn’t see any action in the Calder Cup Playoffs. He’ll factor into the IceHogs lineup next season, but wouldn’t hurt to have a standout summer.

Matthew Highmore, Forward – (64 GP, 24 G, 19 A) / (13 GP, 2 G, 7 A)

One of the more impressive first-year players with the Rockford IceHogs this season, Matthew Highmore went from undrafted free agent signing out of the QMJHL, to Rockford’s top goal-scorer in 2017-18. Setting the rookie goal-scoring record with 24 goals in 63 games, Highmore took over the production role, alongside Anthony Louis, when Vince Hinostroza left Rockford for his permanent stay with the Blackhawks early in the season. The Chicago Blackhawks took a flyer on Highmore and it has already paid off in one year for both organizations. He made his NHL debut with the Blackhawks late this season, including his first NHL goal, and will again be looked at as an option for the Blackhawks next season.

Anthony Louis, Forward – (70 GP, 14 G, 44 A) / (9 GP, 0 G, 5 A)

As mentioned above, Anthony Louis was one of the key players for the Rockford IceHogs all season. The 2017-18 points leader for Rockford, Louis emerged as one of the go-to players after Vince Hinostroza was recalled to the Chicago Blackhawks. In his first full year in the AHL, Louis showed that he has the speed and vision to create for his teammates offensively. He’ll need more time in the AHL to round out his game and will undoubtedly be one of the key players for the IceHogs next season.

Alex Fortin, Forward – (53 GP, 4 G, 21 A) / (1 GP, 0 G, 0 A)

Alexandre Fortin, by all accounts, had a fine first professional year in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs. Outside of dealing with injuries, Fortin made his pro debut and did well in the role he was given by head coach Jeremy Colliton. The problem comes with the expectations that Fortin came into the Chicago Blackhawks organization with. He was a free agent signing and had a monster summer showing, enough to make some people believe he was NHL-ready. But Fortin’s first full pro season left something to be desired. If Fortin can have another decent showing over the summer, he’ll be a regular again in the IceHogs lineup and could potentially get his NHL shot in 2018-19.

William Pelletier, Forward – (69 GP, 14 G, 15A) / (13 GP, 2 G, 0 A)

Guess what? Another first-year pro! William Pelletier made a few appearances late last season for the Rockford IceHogs, but the 2017-18 season was his first full season in the AHL. A former Division III standout at Norwich University, Pelletier is another “water-bug” type of player in the Chicago Blackhawks system that has excelled with the IceHogs. Like Hinostorza and Anthony Louis, Pelletier uses his quick feet and playmaking ability to create offensive chances for his linemates and has an ability for finding open space to find his shot. Over his 77 career games with Rockford, Pelletier is playing at a .47 point per game pace and will be a regular for the IceHogs next season.

Luc Snuggerud, Defenseman – (40 GP, 5 G, 12 A) / (No Playoff Stats)

Another player hinder by the injury big this season, Luc Snuggerud made his pro debut in his first full year in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs this season. When healthy, Snuggerud was a regular part of the Rockford defensive core and showed the ability to play effectively at both ends of the ice. While healthy at the end of the season, Snuggerud was edged out in the defensive rotation and did not dress for any games in the Calder Cup Playoffs. Over his 53 career games with the IceHogs, Snuggerud is producing at a .42 point per game pace which is great from a defenseman. With a solid showing this summer, Snuggerud will be a regular part of the Rockford defensive lineup next season.

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.

As the 2017-18 season comes to an official close for the Rockford IceHogs, it goes without saying that this squad came together under familiar circumstances with a rookie head coach being paired with so many first-year pros. The locker room gelled and added the right veteran pieces to produce some AHL magic and create a renewed vigor in the Rockford hockey community. Adam Clendening’s statement that this group was the most fun group he has ever played with spoke volumes to what Jeremy Colliton, the coach staff, and management did to rebuild the IceHogs from their disappointing 2016-17 run.

While the Chicago Blackhawks regulars have had their spring to relax and recover from last season, the IceHogs have been going through a tough Calder Cup Playoffs run. For most players, the offseason will be short as Summer Prospect Camp gets underway in the latter half of July, leading into the Rookie Showcase in Traverse City before Training Camp in late August. While the additions of new free agent and draft pick signings will re-shape the look of the IceHogs for the 2018-19 season, the organization is back on the right track and provides a hopeful look into the future of the Chicago Blackhawks.

The post Rockford IceHogs 2017-18 Season Exit Interviews appeared first on The Rink.

Game Six: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 2-1 (OT)

Game Six got off to an unfamiliar start from Rockford’s Game Four and Five performances, in which the opening goal of the game came within the first seven minutes of action. The IceHogs and Stars would trade scoring chances in the first period, equaling each others amount of shots on Jeff Glass and Mike McKenna, 11-11, but no breakthrough would be found in the first 20 minutes of action.

Rockford would be playing catch-up in the second period, being out-shot 7-0 to begin the period. It would be right up to the mid-way point of the second period when Sheldon Dries would get the puck past Jeff Glass for the game’s opening tally. Dries shot the puck off the back of Glass, who caught it behind him, but the referees deemed that the puck crossed the goal-line behind him, and Texas held a 1-0 lead. Roope Hintz nearly had a devastating second goal in the period for the Stars, but it was waved off due to a high-stick.

Jeff Glass tries to make a save against the Texas Stars in Game Six of the Western Conference Finals. (Courtesy: Texas Stars)

Rockford would eventually pull the scoring chance totals closer to even, 23-20 in favor of Texas at the end of the second period, 12-9 for Texas in the middle frame, and would need a furious 20-minute effort in the third period if they were to extend their season to a Game Seven. In the ridiculous stat department, neither team had committed a penalty heading into the final period of play.

In the third period, the IceHogs started to give the Stars a taste of what the second period was like, out-shooting the Stars 6-0 in the first 6 and a half minutes of the period. Also, Viktor Svedberg laid a hit on Travis Morin the knocked a pane of glass off the boards and into the stands. So it was safe to say that Rockford came out and held nothing back to start the third.

Cody Franson takes a shot against the Texas Stars in Game Six of the Western Conference Finals. (Courtesy: Texas Stars)

Reaching just four minutes to play, Rockford was firing everything they could at Texas, trying to find the equalizing goal, out-shooting the Stars 13-4 at that point in the period. Still, a single powerplay had not been called for either team as the final minutes clocked down in the third period. With that in mind, the IceHogs would force their own powerplay as they pulled Glass for the empty net and extra attacker.

With Glass on the bench, the usual suspects that have powered the Rockford offense this postseason showed up in the biggest moment of the Calder Cup Playoffs to that point. Cody Franson and Adam Clendening teamed p to find Chris DiDomenico for the game-tying goal with just 1:34 to play in regulation. DiDomenico, the IceHogs’ leading scorer in the Calder Cup Playoffs, nets his seventh goal of the postseason and it came without a moment to spare.

Chris DiDomenico celebrates his goal in Game Six in the Western Conference Finals. (Courtesy: Texas Stars)

Tied 1-1, Rockford wouldn’t take their foot off the gas as they looked to find a winner before regulation time ran out. Franson hit a post late in the third period but it would not go. DiDomenico’s tally would send the game to overtime, the fourth overtime game in the six-game Western Conference Finals series, making this the first series since 201 to do so.

In the overtime frame, the Stars and IceHogs would again trade scoring chances through the first-half of the first overtime period, but neither team could find a winner. Credit to Mike McKenna and Jeff Glass for keeping their respective teams in the game through tense moments in the overtime.

Rockford would mount an attack with John Hayden and Andreas Martinsen getting a 2-on-1 chance, Matthew Highmore with a chance on a wrap-around, and Cody Franson trying to find a way to the net from the blue-line. But all chances were defended by McKenna, keeping the game tied as the overtime period would get its first break in the action.

GAME SIX HIGHLIGHTS: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 2-1 (OT)

As the overtime continued into the latter half of the extra time, Jeff Glass would be called on again with under five minutes to play as the Stars had a one-time, re-direction attempt on net, but Glass was able to make the save. One for the highlight-reel and kept the Rockford season alive.

The jubilation wouldn’t be able to continue for long as the IceHogs, trying to hold on in the final moments of the overtime period, would give up the series-winning goal to the Stars with just eight second remaining on the clock. Roope Hintz would get the game-winning tally, his fourth goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs, sending the Stars to the Calder Cup Final to face the Toronto Marlies.

The Texas Stars celebrate their overtime winning goal in Game Six of the Western Conference Finals over the Rockford IceHogs. (Courtesy: Texas Stars)

Rockford would be out-shot in the overtime frame, 11-4, and out-shot in the game 40-39. Mike McKenna would make 38 saves on 39 shots faced, while Jeff Glass made 38 saves on 40 shots faced. Glass, in just three games of work in the postseason, made 106 saves on 111 shots faced after coming into the starting role in Game Four of the Western Conference Finals in relief of Collin Delia.

Chris DiDomenico finishes the Calder Cup Playoffs as the IceHogs’ leading point-scorer with 18 points (7G, 11A) over 13 games, setting the franchise playoff points record. He also leads all point-scorers in the AHL as the postseason shifts to the Calder Cup Final. After arriving with the IceHogs, DiDomenico tallied 41 points in 35 games with regular season and playoff games included.

Finally, what a season this has been for first year head coach Jeremy Colliton. He steps into the IceHogs organization, making his coaching debut in North America and being barely older than some of his own players, and completely turns around the culture in Rockford/ Colliton took a young roster with more than a dozen first-year players on it, added a few key veterans, and turned the IceHogs into must-watch hockey. Not only is the future bright for the Chicago Blackhawks organization with the players on the IceHogs, but it can be said that the future of the organization for those behind the bench is bright as well.

Postgame Reaction

As the IceHogs season comes to a close, Head Coach Jeremy Colliton spoke after the overtime loss. Watch it here:

WATCH: Jeremy Colliton Game Six Postgame

Rockford’s season ends, obviously before anyone would have wanted it to, in one of the most-tightly contested series’ in recent Calder Cup Playoff history.

What’s Next?

For the Stars, they move on to face the Toronto Marlies in the Calder Cup Final. This is the third appearance in the Final for Texas, the second appearance in the Final for the Marlies.

As for the IceHogs, there is a busy summer ahead. A few players that were key to the Rockford organization are on expiring contracts, and a number of those players figure to be in the mix for roster spots with the Chicago Blackhawks. It will be interesting to see which direction the organization goes with those younger players. For a few veterans, this may have been the last game with Rockford that they play. But much of that is to be decided later this summer.

For now, stay tuned to The-Rink for a full Rockford IceHogs 2017-18 season wrap-up, including exit interviews and full player evaluations in the coming days/weeks as the off-season begins.

This was a wild ride for the Rockford IceHogs and it is sad to see it end this way. But, the future is bright in Rockford and as well in Chicago.

The post IceHogs Fall In Overtime, Stars Advance To Calder Cup Final appeared first on The Rink.

Game Five: Rockford IceHogs def. Texas Stars, 3-1

The IceHogs hoped to begin Game Five with the same momentum that they ended Game Four with. Early in the first period, they would do just that with a goal from Cody Franson to open the scoring just under three minutes into the period. Franson’s sixth goal of the playoffs gave Rockford the 1-0 lead. Fitting in with that narrative from head coach Jeremy Colliton of getting off to a good start in every game, the IceHogs would net a second goal within the first half of the first period as Luke Johnson would tally his fourth goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs and give the home team a 2-0 lead nearing the mid-way point of the period. Assists would go to Adam Clendening and Victor Ejdsell on Johnson’s goal, continuing their respective hot-streaks in the postseason, continuing to drive Rockford’s offense.

Luke Johnson celebrates his goal in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

The IceHogs couldn’t have asked for a better start to another elimination game, including getting the better of a Curtis McKenzie vs. Cody Franson scrap. Jeff Glass would stop a,l 15 shots he faced in the first period and secured the 2-0 Rockford lead into the second period.

Rockford began the second period, weathering an early push from the Stars, as they tried to get off to a fast start to revive their game being down 2-0. Early in the second, the IceHogs were forced to kill-off their first penalty against them in the game and it was Glass that would come to the rescue early. However, as the second period reached the mid-way point, the Stars would find their way to the scoreboard. Roope Hintz scored his third goal of the playoffs and cut the Rockford lead to 2-1.

The Stars would continue to pressure the IceHogs as the second period would go on, forcing Jeff Glass to answer the bell as Texas out-shot Rockford in the period 14-6. Glass was able to make 13 saves in the period, keeping the IceHogs lead at 2-1 heading into the third period.

Jeff Glass makes a save in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

With 20 minutes separating Rockford from forcing a Game Six back in Texas, the IceHogs would have to continue to weather the spirited effort from the Stars early on. Two breakaway chances for Texas came up empty with Glass and his friend, the goal-post, doing what they could to keep the 2-1 Rockford lead alive. That theme would continue as the third period shifted into the latter half, and that would be when the Hockey God’s would smile upon David Kampf. Looking for his first point of the Calder Cup Playoffs after 12 games, Kampf shot the puck on Mike McKenna on a routine dump-in, and McKenna mishandled it into his own net. It would be the luckiest of bounces for Kampf and the IceHogs, leading to a 3-1 Rockford lead late in the third period.

With Kampf’s goal, all 18 regular skaters for the IceHogs have tallied at least one point in the 12 Calder Cup Playoff games played.

GAME FIVE HIGHLIGHTS: Rockford IceHogs def. Texas Stars, 3-1

The final five and a half minutes would have a football-esqe feel, with starts and stops every few seconds as the IceHogs looked to hold onto their two-goal lead and play defensively sound. With just about three and a half minutes to play in the period and having a powerplay opportunity, the Stars would pull McKenna from their net and go with a six-on-four attack. Jeff Glass and the IceHogs would be able to hold off the Stars’ attack in the final moments of the game and get a well-deserved 3-1 win over Texas and send the Western Conference Finals series to a Game Six.

Jeff Glass celebrates a win in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals over the Texas Stars. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

Glass made 40 saves on 41 shots faced, making him 68 for 71 on shots faced in Games Four and Five combined. Mike McKenna made 18 saves on 21 shots faced for the Stars. Game Six will be in Texas on Monday night and it will most certainly be Glass back in net for the IceHogs as he has come off the bench and led this Rockford team back from the brink of elimination.

Postgame Reaction

After the game, IceHogs head coach Jeremy Colliton, Jeff Glass, and Cody Franson spoke to the media about getting the win, forcing a Game Six and what it means to play with a never-say-die attitude. Watch the postgame reaction here:

WATCH: Jeremy Colliton Postgame – GAME FIVE

WATCH: Jeff Glass Postgame – GAME FIVE

WATCH: Cody Franson Postgame – GAME FIVE

Game Six will be on Monday night in Cedar Park, Texas, with the IceHogs attempting to avoid elimination, once again, and potentially force a Game Seven.

What’s Next?

This Western Conference Finals series marks the third time in AHL history that the IceHogs and Stars have met in the postseason. Both teams hold a series sweep over the other with Texas winning a first-round series in 2010, and Rockford winning a first-round series in 2015.

Here is the schedule for the IceHogs and Stars in the Calder Cup Playoffs Western Conference Finals:

• Game One: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 4-2 (TEX leads series 1-0)
• Game  Two: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 3-2/OT (TEX leads series 2-0)
• Game Three: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 6-5/OT (TEX leads series 3-0)
• Game Four: Rockford IceHogs def. Texas Stars, 3-2/OT (TEX leads series 3-1)
• Game Five: Rockford IceHogs def. Texas Stars, 3-1 (TEX leads series 3-2)
• Game Six: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Monday, May 28th, 7pm
• * Game Seven: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Tuesday, May 29th, 7pm (*If Necessary)

The Winner of the series will advance to the Calder Cup Finals and play the Toronto Marlies. Toronto swept the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the Eastern Conference Finals and will have home-ice advantage in the Calder Cup Final. Games One and Two will be held in Toronto on June 2 and 3 to begin the Calder Cup Final.

The post IceHogs Refuse To Go Quietly, Defeat Stars To Force Game Six appeared first on The Rink.

Prior to the game, head coach Jeremy Colliton felt his team had more in the tank for Game Three, saying, “I’m excited to see how we respond. When you play at this time of the year, it brings out the best in the best guys and I think we have a lot to show.” Colliton harped on his team for taking penalties they did not have to in Games One and Two, hoping to cut down on the penalty-killing for Game Three.

Defenseman Adam Clendening spoke to the feeling of the dressing room prior to puck drop for Game Three, stating, “We know going down 0-3 makes it really hard to come back, but at the same time, they did their job and won on home ice, so why can’t we?” Forward John Hayden added to that, “It hasn’t been pretty all year and we had to come back from being down in games or in the standings and we have clawed our way out. If we have that same approach to the series, we’ll find a way.”

Rockford would need to get back to the recipe for success that they had in the previous two rounds of the Calder Cup Playoffs to get back into their series against the Stars. Needing a positive effort from their special teams and a quality start from Goaltender Collin Delia, the IceHogs would get less than both of those goals. Going none-for one on the powerplay, two-for-three on the penalty-kill and Delia allowing six goals, Rockford would fall in their second-straight overtime game and a 0-3 series hole with a 6-5 loss.

Game Three: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 6-5 (OT)

The IceHogs wouldn’t waste much time in getting the upper-hand in Game Three and came out of the gate fast. It would be just under five minutes into the game when Tyler Sikura would knife his way through the Texas defense and finish off a great individual effort to opening the scoring. Rockford up 1-0 after Sikura’s fifth goal of the season, would see their lead only last a few minutes as the Stars would make the most of a five-on-three powerplay chance. Curtis McKenize found the back of the net on the two-man advantage for the Stars and tied the game at 1-1 nearing the mid-way point of the first period.

The Rockford IceHogs celebrate a goal against the Texas Stars in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

The Theme of back-and-forth in the first period would continue as John Hayden would find the net for the IceHogs to give them the lead back at 2-1. Hayden’s third goal of the postseason, second in as many games, but the Rockford lead would be short-lived as Justin Dowling would tie the game 2-2 just over a minute later. The frantic first period would continue as the Stars took the 3-2 lead at the 5:28 mark of the period as Sheldon Dries scored his fifth of the postseason to put Texas on top. Dries’ goal also marked the most goals that the IceHogs have given up in a single period in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

The IceHogs would start the second period much like they did the first; scoring early. As the end of their first powerplay of the game was coming to a close, Gustav Forsling was able to find the back of the net on a bomb from the blue-line for the first time in these Calder Cup Playoffs and tie the game at 3-3, under seven minutes into the middle frame. Forsling’s first of the postseason gave the IceHogs a tie for the third time in the game, as Rockford and Texas would see-saw throughout the game.

The wildness of Game Three would continue as off of a penalty-kill, Chris DiDomenico would spring a great chance for Matthew Highmore and Luke Johnson. On the forced turnover by DiDomenico, Highmore would find Johnson and he would bury his second goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs and re-take the lead, 4-3 just beyond the mid-way point of the second period.

Collin Delia scrambles to make a save in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

DiDomenico, with the secondary assist, notched his AHL-leading 16th point of the Calder Cup Playoffs and further cemented him as one of the MVP’s of the IceHogs this postseason. Rockford held the Stars to just six shots in the second period, while out-shooting them 16-6 in the middle frame and 27-19 after two periods of play. The IceHogs went into the second intermission just 20 minutes away from making the Western Conference Finals a real series.

In the third period, the IceHogs controlled most of the action to begin the period, out-shooting the Stars 6-3 over the mid-way point of the period, but Sheldon Dries would find space and tie the game on his second goal of the contest, making it a 4-4 game with just over nine minutes to play in the third period. The IceHogs would miss on a number of chances to re-gain the lead and it would be the Stars who would get back on top as Austin Fyten would tally his first goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs and give Texas the lead once again, 5-4 with just over five minutes left in regulation.

Lance Bouma (left) fights for the puck in front of Mike McKenna in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)

With 2:43 to play in the third period, Rockford would pull Delia for the extra attacker, trying to get yet another game-tying goal. It would be the usual suspects late in the period as DiDomenico and Luke Johnson would setup Cody Franson for a snapshot from the blue-line and he buried the game-tying goal with just 50 seconds to play. Franson’s fifth goal of the postseason would send the Stars and IceHogs to overtime for the second game in-a-row, tied at 5-5.

In the overtime period, the IceHogs would yet again compile chances but wouldn’t be able to find the ability to finish them off. Unfortunately it would come back to bite them as the Stars were able to find the game-winning goal 5:12 into the extra frame. Curtis McKenzie put a shot on net, it deflected off of Adam Clendening and found its way behind Delia. McKenzie’s second goal of the night gave the Stars a second overtime win in the series and puts the IceHogs in a tough position, down 0-3 in the series and facing elimination.

GAME THREE HIGHLIGHTS: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 6-5 (OT)

Collin Delia finished the game with 21 saves on 27 shots faced, while Mike McKenna made 34 saves on 39 IceHogs shots. Texas improves to 6-1 in overtime games during this Calder Cup Playoffs run and wins their seventh-straight game. Rockford drops their third-straight game for the first time since a four-game skid from February 9-17.

Postgame Reaction

After falling in overtime to the Texas Stars, head coach Jeremy Colliton, forwards Matthew Highmore and John Hayden spoke to the media.

WATCH: Postgame Head Coach Jeremy Colliton

WATCH: Postgame John Hayden 

WATCH: Postgame Matthew Highmore

With Rockford facing elimination for the first time in the Calder Cup Playoffs this season, they will need four-straight wins to advance to the Calder Cup Final.

What’s Next?

This Western Conference Finals series marks the third time in AHL history that the IceHogs and Stars have met in the postseason. Both teams hold a series sweep over the other with Texas winning a first-round series in 2010, and Rockford winning a first-round series in 2015.

Here is the schedule for the IceHogs and Stars in the Calder Cup Playoffs Western Conference Finals:

• Game One: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 4-2 (TEX leads series 1-0)
• Game  Two: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 3-2/OT (TEX leads series 2-0)
• Game Three: Texas Stars def. Rockford IceHogs, 6-5/OT (TEX leads series 3-0)
• Game Four: Texas Stars at Rockford IceHogs, Thursday, May 24, 7pm
• * Game Five: Texas Stars at Rockford IceHogs, Friday, May 25, 7pm (*If Necessary)
• * Game Six: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Monday, May 28th, 7pm (*If Necessary)
• * Game Seven: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Tuesday, May 29th, 7pm (*If Necessary)

The Winner of the series will advance to the Calder Cup Finals and play the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and Toronto Marlies.

The post IceHogs Drop Second-Straight Overtime Game, Face Elimination appeared first on The Rink.

Game Four: Rockford IceHogs def. Manitoba Moose, 6-3

The IceHogs hoped that their recipe of stellar goaltending from Collin Delia and the best combined special teams units in the Calder Cup Playoffs could power them to a seventh-straight win in the postseason, and subsequently a second sweep in the Calder Cup Playoffs. Delia, through his first six games, held a 6-0-0 record with the lowest GAA in the postseason at 1.44, and the second-highest save-percentage at .953%.

Collin Delia takes the ice for the Rockford IceHogs. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

The first period, got off to a familiar start for Rockford as Cody Franson would open the scoring with a powerplay goal. Let me know if you’ve seen me write this before. (Hint: you have.) Franson from the left-circle blasted a one-timer by Eric Comrie with a great setup from Adam Clendening and it was 1-0 Rockford. With under seven minutes to play in the period, Manitoba would respond with a game-tying goal from Julian Melchiori, his second of the series, and it would be a 1-1 game.

But, less than a minute later, Chris DiDomenico would put the IceHogs back on top with his fourth goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs, giving Rockford the 2-1 lead. In the theme of back-and-forth of the first period, the Moose would capitalize on a Rockford turnover. While on a five-minute powerplay after Moose Captain Patrice Cormier was assessed a match-penalty for kicking, along with a roughing and boarding-major penalty, the IceHogs turned the puck over and J.C. Lipon scored short-handed to tie the game 2-2 and head to the first intermission knotted up.

Chris DiDomenico celebrates with his teammates after a goal in Game Four of the Western Conference Semi-Finals. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Rockford would begin the second period with a powerplay that carried over from the first period, they would make sure that Manitoba would pay. Carl Dahlstrom would score his second goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs to give the IceHogs the 3-2 lead on their second poweplay goal of the game. The intensity and physicality would increase as the game progressed, with Manitoba throwing all they could at Rockford, trying to hold off being swept out of the playoffs.

Their aggressive play would come back to cost Manitoba as they yielded a powerplay to the IceHogs and Victor Ejdsell would earn a penalty shot while on the man-advantage. Ejdsell would go back-hand, top-shelf to beat Comrie for his fifth goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs and give Rockford the 4-2 lead in the second period. It would get even better for the IceHogs in the second period as the Moose would take yet another penalty and it would be another powerplay goal for Cody Franson. A near carbon-copy of his first powerplay goal of the game, Franson one-timed it by Comrie with help from DiDomenico and Clendening. The period would come to a close with Rockford ahead 5-2 and 20 minutes away from yet another historical elimination scenario.

Collin Delia makes a sliding save against the Manitoba Moose in Game Four of the Western Conference Semi-Finals in the Calder Cup Playoffs. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

In the third period, the IceHogs would hold their 5-2 lead well into the final frame while continuing their perfect night on the penalty-kill and chewing more time off the clock by controlling play with their eighth poweprlay of the night. Collin Delia would keep the Moose at bay, shutting down 15 of 16 shots in the third period. Helping the cause, with the Moose net empty, Andreas Martinsen would send the puck deep and find the yawning cage with just over three minutes remaining in regulation to seal the deal. Rockford completes the sweep of the Moose, 4-0 in the series and remains undefeated in the Calder Cup Playoffs in 2018.

GAME FOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Rockford IceHogs def. Manitoba Moose, 6-3

Collin Delia with another quality night in net, see his record to 7-0-0 with a 1.65 GAA and a .948 save-percentage. Through the first two rounds of the Calder Cup Playoffs, the Rockford special teams records are a staggering 15/40 (37.5%) on the powerplay and 26/28 (92.9%) on the penalty-kill, including a perfect 11/11 against the Manitoba Moose.

Impressive.

Postgame Reaction

Watch the postgame reaction from Head Coach Jeremy Colliton and Collin Delia after the Rockford IceHogs defeat the Manitoba Moose 6-3, and sweep the Calder Cup Playoffs Western Conference Semi-Finals series.

WATCH: Jeremy Colliton Postgame after Game Four vs Manitoba Moose 

WATCH: Collin Delia Postgame after Game Four vs Manitoba Moose

What’s Next?

With the victory, the IceHogs head to the Western Conference Finals in the Calder Cup Playoffs for the first time in the club’s AHL history. They also are the first team in the AHL to win seven consecutive postseason games since the Toronto Marlies in 2014. Rockford takes a sweep over the Chicago Wolves and a sweep of the Manitoba Moose into the third round of the playoffs.

There they will face the Texas Stars after Texas ousted the Tuscon RoadRunners 4-1 in their Western Conference Semi-Finals series. Here is the schedule for the IceHogs and Stars in the Calder Cup Playoffs Western Conference Finals:

• Game One: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Friday, May 18, 7pm (H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, Cedar Park, Texas)
• Game  Two: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Sunday, May 20, 5pm
• Game Three: Texas Stars at Rockford IceHogs, Tuesday, May 22, 7pm (BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford, Illinois)
• Game Four: Texas Stars at Rockford IceHogs, Thursday, May 24, 7pm
• * Game Five: Texas Stars at Rockford IceHogs, Friday, May 25, 7pm (*If Necessary)
• * Game Six: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Monday, May 28th, 7pm (*If Necessary)
• * Game Seven: Rockford IceHogs at Texas Stars, Tuesday, May 29th, 7pm (*If Necessary)

By advancing to the Calder Cup Western Conference Finals, this marks the furthest a Chicago Blackhawks minor-league affiliate team has gone in the AHL playoffs since the Brunswick Hawks won the Calder Cup in 1982.

The IceHogs held a 2-1-1 record over the Texas Stars in the regular season this year. Historically in the Calder Cup Playoffs, the Stars and IceHogs have faced off twice. In 2010, Texas swept Rockford in the first round, while in 2015, it was the IceHogs who swept the Stars in the opening round of the playoffs.

The post IceHogs Complete Sweep Of Moose, Advance To Western Conference Finals appeared first on The Rink.

Game One: Rockford IceHogs def. Manitoba Moose, 4-2

The IceHogs turned to Collin Delia in net after his stellar performance in the opening round series against the Chicago Wolves. Delia posted a 3-0-0 record with a 1.51 GAA, and a .949 save-percentage in the first round against the Wolves and will need to continue that level of play if Rockford is to advance to their first ever Calder Cup Playoffs Western Conference Finals. Opposite Delia would be Eric Comrie for Manitoba. Comrie led the Moose to a 3-2 series win against the Grand Rapids Griffins in Round One, posting a 3.12 GAA and a .911 save-percentage over the five-game series.

In the first period, the IceHogs and Moose went through an extended feeling-out period as Game One marked just the fifth game between the teams this year (Regular season and postseason combined). Compared to both teams’ first round series, the IceHogs had seen the Wolves 12 times before Game One, while the Moose had faced the Grand Rapids Griffins eight times before their opening Game One.

While Rockford had the advantage in scoring chances early on, it would be Manitoba’s Buddy Robinson who would break the scoreless tie with just over three minutes remaining in the period. A bouncing puck setup the chance for Robinson as he buried his first goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs. Delia did his best to keep Manitoba off the board in the opening frame, and made a number of high-quality saves that kept Manitoba from breaking the game wide open early on.

In the second period, the IceHogs and Moose would trade powerplay opportunities but nothing would come from either chance. It wouldn’t be until just past the mid-way point of the contest that Rockford would finally get on the board. Matthew Highmore found Victor Ejdsell open and he would put a backhand shot by Comrie and tie the game at 1-1. Ejdsell, the triple-overtime hero from Game Three against the Wolves scored his third goal in his last two games and knotted the game up in the middle frame.

Cody Franson (left) makes a pass against the Manitoba Moose in Game One of the Calder Cup Western Conference Semi-Finals. (Courtesy: Manitoba Moose)

Rockford would start the third period on the powerplay thanks to a late second period Brendan Lemieux penalty, but the Moose would be able to kill it off. Just over a minute later, the IceHogs would have a third chance on the powerplay and three times would be a charm as Tyler Sikura would tip-in a Chris DiDomenico shot and put Rockford ahead 2-1. Sikura’s second goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs was barely out of the net (not really) before the IceHogs struck a second time in under a minute as John Hayden would bury a one-timer behind Comrie and put the Rockford ahead 3-1 early in the third period. Hayden’s first goal of the playoffs came just 45 seconds after Sikura’s and Rockford was in full control of Game One at that point.

HIGHTLIGHTS: Rockford IceHogs def. Manitoba Moose, 4-2

The IceHogs would hunker-down and hold their 3-1 lead until the Moose pulled Comrie with just a minute to play and Cody Franson would add one on an empty-net powerplay goal to make it 4-1. Franson’s goal extends his current point-streak to eight games with 13 points (5G, 8A) over that span. The Moose would add a second goal with under 30 seconds to play but it wouldn’t be enough as Rockford would come away 4-2 winners.

A valuable win on the road in the Calder Cup Playoffs is one thing, to get in the win column in Game One is icing on the Rockford cake heading into Game Two on Saturday. Delia finished the game with 24 saves on 26 shots faced and improved to 4-0-0 in his first taste of professional playoff hockey so far this postseason. Undefeated in the postseason, Rockford’s powerplay continues to be their driving force, a staggering 9/24 (37.5%) through the first four games of the Calder Cup Playoffs.

What’s Next?

Here is the full schedule for the Calder Cup Western Conference Semi-Finals Best-of-Seven series between Rockford and Manitoba:

• Game One: Rockford IceHogs def. Manitoba Moose, 4-2 (RFD leads series 1-0)
• Game Two: Saturday, May 5 at Bell MTS Place, 4pm
• Game Three: Wednesday, May 9 at BMO Harris Bank Center (Rockford, Illinois), 7pm
• Game Four: Friday, May 11 at BMO Harris Bank Center, 7pm
• * Game Five: Saturday, May 12 at BMO Harris Bank Center, 6pm (* If Necessary)
• * Game Six: Tuesday, May 15 at Bell MTS Place, 7pm (* If Necessary)
• * Game Seven: Wednesday, May 16 at Bell MTS Place, 7pm (* If Necessary)

The winner of the IceHogs and Moose series will face the winner of the Tucson Road Runners and Texas Stars Western Conference Semi-Finals series. The IceHogs have never advanced to the Western Conference Finals in their AHL Franchise history.

The post IceHogs Use Third Period Push, Take Game One Over Moose appeared first on The Rink.

Manitoba Moose vs. Rockford IceHogs: By The Numbers

IceHogs Final Record and Standings: 40-28-8, 88 points, 4th Central Division

Moose Final Record and Standings: 42-26-8, 92 points. 3rd Central Division

Head-to-Head: 2-1-1, Rockford

Rockford Regular Season Goals For vs Manitoba: 12

Manitoba Regular Season Goals For vs Rockford: 15

Rockford First-Round Series: 3-0 over Chicago Wolves

Manitoba First-Round Series: 3-2 over Grand Rapids Griffins

Rockford Calder Cup Playoffs Powerplay: 7/18 (38.9%, 1st in AHL)

Manitoba Calder Cup Playoffs Powerplay: 2/15 (13.3%, 14th in AHL)

Rockford Calder Cup Playoffs Penalty-Kill: 12/14 (85.7%, 5th in AHL)

Manitoba Calder Cup Playoffs Penalty-Kill: 15/19 (78.9%, 13th in AHL)

Rockford Calder Cup Playoffs Top Skater: Chris DiDomenico (2G, 3A), Adam Clendening (G, 4 A), 5 points

Manitoba Calder Cup Playoffs Top Skater: Chase De Leo, 7 points (2G, 5A)

Rockford Calder Cup Playoffs Top Goalie: Collin Delia (3-0-0), 1.52 GAA, .949 Save-Percentage

Manitoba Calder Cup Playoffs Top Goalie: Eric Comrie (3-2-0), 2.82 GAA, .922 Save-Percentage

Players To Watch

The IceHogs have had three things go well for them so far in the Calder Cup Playoffs: Special Teams, Goaltending, and production from the Blue-Line. Expect more of that to continue into their Western Conference Semi-Finals series against the Moose as Rockford and Manitoba have special teams records on the opposite ends of the playoff spectrum, and advantage in net, and three of their top-six point producers are defensemen.

Collin Delia, G, Rockford IceHogs

Delia may as well be the IceHogs’ Playoff MVP so far. He has been the most stand-out player on the roster through their first-round sweep of the Chicago Wolves. This season has been an interesting one for Delia, starting the year with the ECHL Indy Fuel, having just one win in ten starts, making the jump to the AHL, getting shelled in his first few appearances and then becoming one of the cornerstones of Rockford’s push to the Calder Cup Playoffs. Oh, also made his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Collin Delia makes a save against the San Antonio Rampage. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Of goalies that have more than one appearance in the Calder Cup Playoffs, Delia has the lowest GAA of the 17 goalies qualified (1.51), and the second-best save-percentage of those same 17 goalies (.949), trailing only Mike McKenna of the Texas Stars (.957). Rockford will look for Delia to continue being at the top of his game against the Moose, who have put up 15 goals for in five games.

Eric Comrie, G, Manitoba Moose

For the Moose in net, Comrie has been solid and a big reason why the team was able to get by the Griffins in a tightly contested five-game opening round series. After getting a wake-up call in Game Two of the series, getting pulled after two periods and five unanswered goals allowed, Comrie put together a .941 save-percentage in Games Three, Four, and Five, leading the Moose in a 5-1 victory in Game Five on the road. If the IceHogs are going to have success against Comrie, they will have to get after him early in games and continue to take advantage of their powerplay opportunities.

Chris DiDomenico, C, Rockford IceHogs

Acquired late in the season for defenseman Ville Pokka, DiDomenico has been the top forward for the IceHogs since he stepped foot on the ice in a Rockford sweater. DiDomenico finished the regular season with 23 points (8G, 15A) in 22 games with Rockford and he has continued that point-per-game pace into the Calder Cup Playoffs with five points (2G, 3A) in the three-game sweep of the Chicago Wolves.

Chris DiDomenico of the Rockford IceHogs. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

A fixture of Rockford’s powerplay and a top forward at even-strength, DiDomenico is a driver of the IceHogs’ offense and has, according to the praise of Head Coach Jeremy Colliton, brought a mindset and “swagger” to the locker room that the team can and should win on any given night.

Brendan Lemieux, LW, Manitoba Moose

While not the top-scoring forward for the Moose through the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs, Lemieux has been a key factor in the last three games for Manitoba and will continue to be as they move forward. Lemieux finished the 2017-18 season with 43 points (19G, 24A) in 51 games with the Moose this season and has four points (2G, 2A) in the first five games for Manitoba in the Calder Cup Playoffs. A three-point night in Game Five against the Griffins, Lemieux is a big-bodied forward that could give the IceHogs trouble in their defensive zone.

Adam Clendening, D, Rockford IceHogs

Adding to the list of players that joined the IceHogs late in the season, Clendening made his return to the organization in January and right away began leading an offensive attack that started from the blue-line on out. Clendening, along with fellow defenseman Cody Franson, have been focus players for the Rockford poweprlay unit that has spiked over the last two months of the season and into the playoffs.

Adam Clendening takes a shot. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Nearly a point-per-game player after returning to Rockford, Clendening is another player that Head Coach Jeremy Colliton feels brings a competitive edge and leadership role to the locker room and has driven the IceHogs through their first three games of the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Cameron Schilling, D, Manitoba Moose

A former Rockford defenseman, Schilling had a breakout season with Manitoba in 2017-18. A career-high 32 points (6G, 26A) in 71 games for the Moose this season, Schilling is an experienced AHL veteran with 32 career Calder Cup Playoff games under his belt and 18 points (7G, 11A) in those games. With four points in the opening series against the Griffins, Schilling is consistently performing in big moments for Manitoba with the game-tying goal in Game One and the Game-Winning goal in Game Five. Look for Schilling, much like Clendening and Franson, to be an offensive threat to the IceHogs.

What’s Next?

Here is the full schedule for the Calder Cup Western Conference Semi-Finals Best-of-Seven series between Rockford and Manitoba:

• Game One: Friday, May 4 at Bell MTS Place (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada), 7pm
• Game Two: Saturday, May 5 at Bell MTS Place, 4pm
• Game Three: Wednesday, May 9 at BMO Harris Bank Center (Rockford, Illinois), 7pm
• Game Four: Friday, May 11 at BMO Harris Bank Center, 7pm
• * Game Five: Saturday, May 12 at BMO Harris Bank Center, 6pm (* If Necessary)
• * Game Six: Tuesday, May 15 at Bell MTS Place, 7pm (* If Necessary)
• * Game Seven: Wednesday, May 16 at Bell MTS Place, 7pm (* If Necessary)

This series will be the first between the IceHogs and the Moose, and marks the third time in Rockford’s AHL history that they have advanced to the Calder Cup Playoffs’ Western Conference Semi-Final round, having lost both previous trips. For Manitoba, this will be the first time advancing to the Calder Cup Playoffs’ Western Conference Semi-Final round since 2011 (the franchise was known as the St. John’s Ice Caps from 2011-15).

The post IceHogs To Face Moose In Calder Cup Western Conference Semi-Final appeared first on The Rink.

Game Three: Rockford IceHogs def. Chicago Wolves, 4-3 (3OT)

Buckle up.

The IceHogs turned, once again, to Collin Delia in net after his stellar performances in the first two games of the series propelled Rockford to their 2-0 series lead heading into Game Three, while the Wolves went to Max Lagace in net, pulling their starter from games one and two, Oscar Dansk.

The game began on Thursday, and from the drop of the puck, had a different pace than the previous two, with both teams creating their fair share of stoppages early on. The start and stop forced both teams to work hard to find their groove in the opening frame. That would be until mid-way through the first period, with David Kampf retrieving a new stick from the Rockford bench, Philip Holm was able to find the back of the net through a screen and put the Wolves ahead 1-0.

Chicago was able to mount a bit of momentum after scoring the opening goal of the game, but Delia was able to come up with a number of saves on high-quality chances from the Wolves. the game could have been 3-0 or even 4-0 in favor of the Wolves through the first 20 minutes of the game. Rockford and Chicago would head to the dressing rooms after the first period with the Wolves holding a 1-0 lead.

The second period began with both sides trading powerplay chances in the first eight minutes of the middle frame, but both teams were able to kill off the penalties. Right off the IceHogs’ man-advantage, the Wolves were able to make it a 2-0 game as Keegan Kolesar found space between Delia’s pads to add to Chicago’s lead. It wouldn’t last long, though, as the IceHogs would get their third powerplay chance and Cody Franson would bury one on the man-advantage to cut the Chicago lead in half. Chris DiDomenico put it on a plate for Franson and he put it away on Max Lagace for his first goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs.

The momentum would completely swing in Rockford’s favor from there in the period as just minutes later, DiDomenico would tie the game with a great top-shelf goal. His second goal of the playoffs made it a 2-2 game, but even that score wouldn’t last long. Just moments later, Victor Ejdsell would make nifty move on Lagace, set up by Anthony Louis, and he would make it a 3-2 IceHogs lead on his first AHL goal with six minutes remaining in the period. Rockford’s three unanswered goals forced Chicago to take their timeout to try to regroup as the period would end with Rockford up by one goal.

20 minutes separated the IceHogs from sweeping the series against the Wolves, but Chicago was not going to go away easily. Just over three minutes into the third period, Wade Megan would stuff in a wraparound attempt and tie the game at 3-3. While the goal would go under review, the puck crossed just enough before Delia could make the save and we would be tied.

The Wolves found momentum after tying the game, but Rockford would regroup and weather the Chicago push as the third period progressed. Both teams would have solid chances down the stretch of the final period and the game would head to overtime tied 3-3. The Wolves entered the third period with 13 shots on goal and finished the period with 25. Rockford did what they had to do after the Chicago tying goal.

The next goal decided the game.

The Overtimes

We headed to overtime knotted up at 3-3 with the IceHogs leading the Wolves in shots on goal, 42-25. Lagace and Delia were doing enough to keep their teams alive through the first 60 minutes of action, Lagace by quantity and Delia by quality.

In overtime, The Wolves thought they had converted on a rebound chance, but the goal was waved off due to an IceHogs penalty. Rockford would kill the ensuing penalty and the game would continue on. With plenty of tense moments and quality chances in the first overtime period, the IceHogs had multiple opportunities to find the game-winner, but Lagace and Delia did their parts to send the game to a second overtime period.

In the second overtime period, the IceHogs would get a great opportunity to close the game on their fifth powerplay of the night, but couldn’t get the winner on the chance. The game would continue on long enough to become the longest game in Rockford’s franchise history, surpassing the mark set in 2008 against the Houston Areos. The Wolves would have to play on the back heel for much of the second overtime, with Rockford having the better of the chances to close the game out, including a Franson slap shot that rang off the post late in the period. But it would go to a third overtime period.

HIGHLIGHTS: Rockford IceHogs def. Chicago Wolves, 4-3 (3OT)

So, we would head to the third overtime period still in search of the game-winning goal. Much like the two overtime periods before it, the third period saw it’s fair share of back and forth, but with the tired legs on both sides of the ice, finishing plays was a hard task. With 4:30 to play in the third overtime, the IceHogs would get their sixth powerplay chance of the night. With just eight seconds remaining on the man-advantage, Victor Ejdsell would find the back of the net for the second time in the game and bring an end to the eight-longest game in AHL history, 4-3 for the IceHogs.

A few notes on the craziness that was this Game Three, series-clinching win for Rockford:

• 8th-longest game in AHL history (117:22)
• Longest game in both the Wolves and IceHogs franchise history.
• Max Lagace sets Chicago Wolves franchise record with 72 saves on 76 shots faced.
• Collin Delia saved all 30 shots he faced in the nearly three full overtime periods, 52 total saves in the game.
• 76 shots on goal is the most for the IceHogs in franchise history.
• IceHogs went 2-for-6 on the powerplay in Game Three, bringing their total to 7-for-18 in the series.
• The IceHogs also killed off all four penalties they took in the game, going 4-for-4 on the night and 12-for-14 in the series.
• With the win, Rockford gets its first series win over rival Chicago in the Calder Cup Playoffs and second-ever series sweep.

For both teams, whoever won this game was going to know they earned it. For Rockford to come out on top, they showed the kind of character and resilience a Championship caliber team needs to have this time of year.

Postgame Reaction

Following their sweep of the Wolves, hear from IceHogs head coach Jeremy Colliton, Chris DiDomenico, and game-winning goal-scorer Victor Ejdsell:

Head Coach Jeremy Colliton

Chris DiDomenico

Victor Ejdsell

What’s Next?

With the completion of the three-game sweep of the Chicago Wolves, the IceHogs advance to the Western Conference Semi-Finals for the third time in the club’s AHL history. Rockford will play the winner of the Manitoba Moose-Grand Rapids Griffins series, which plays Game Five on Monday, April 30.

Once the opponent is known, the AHL will release the schedule for the second-round series between the IceHogs and the Moose/Griffins. They will host, no matter the opponent, a game on Wednesday, May 9 in Rockford.

What a game. What a series. IceHogs adavnce.

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Rockford IceHogs Media Day Audio: 4/24/18

With Game Three in Rosemont looming on Thursday night, Rockford knows that the task at hand is going to be a difficult one. The IceHogs have not won a playoff series since 2015 and have only advanced past the first round twice since joining the American Hockey League in the 2007-08 season. Two of the biggest keys to the series through the first two games has been the special teams play of both squads and the quality play in net from IceHogs goaltender Collin Delia.

Collin Delia makes a save against the Chicago Wolves. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

After finishing last in the AHL in powerplay success and towards the bottom in penalty-kill success, Rockford has had the better of the man-advantage chances against Chicago, as well as locking down the penalty-kill, and have used five powerplay goals to help them to their 2-0 series lead.

For Delia, he has locked down a high-powered Wolves offense through the first two games. Only allowing 3 goals against in the first two games, Delia takes a 1.51 GAA and a .952 save-percentage into Game Three against Chicago.

With the chance to sweep the Central Division Champions on Thursday, hear from head coach Jeremy Colliton, Cody Franson, Carl Dahlstrom, and Adam Clendening as they get ready for Game Three, as well as the first of, hopefully many, IceHogs playoff beard updates.

Head Coach Jeremy Colliton

Cody Franson

Carl Dahlstrom

Adam Clendening

What’s Next?

With a win in Game Two, the IceHogs take a 2-0 series lead back to Chicago on Thursday for Game Three, in what is now an elimination game in the best-of-five series. Here is the full first-round schedule for Rockford and Chicago:

• Game One – Rockford IceHogs def. Chicago Wolves, 2-1 (RFD leads series 1-0)
• Game Two – Rockford IceHogs def. Chicago Wolves, 5-2 (RFD leads series 2-0)
• Game Three – at Chicago, Thursday, April 26 – 7pm
• Game Four * – at Rockford, Sunday, April 29 – 4pm (if necessary)
• Game Five * – at Chicago, Monday, April 30 – 7pm (if necessary)

Winner of the Rockford-Chicago series will go on to face the winner of the Manitoba Moose-Grand Rapids Griffins series in the Western Conference Semi-Finals.

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Game One Rockford IceHogs def. Chicago Wolves, 2-1

After splitting the season series 6-6 over 12 games, the IceHogs and Wolves opened up their first-round Calder Cup Playoff series at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont to begin the second ever postseason matchup between the teams after their first matchup in 2008. Rockford turned to rookie goaltender Collin Delia to start in net against Chicago, while the Wolves started Oscar Dansk in between the pipes, who also would be making his AHL postseason debt.

After the last two games between the clubs totaled 19 goals combined, Saturday night’s game would be a stark contrast in a tight 2-1 game, the kind IceHogs head coach Jeremy Colliton continues to say that the teams needs to be able to win at this point in the season.

Rockford was able to strike first against the Wolves around the mid-way point of the opening period. On the powerplay, the IceHogs were able to cycle the puck to defenseman Cody Franson who put a shot on net with Tyler Sikura providing traffic in front of Dansk. Sikura was able to re-direct the puck and find the back of the net for the 1-0 goal. Sikura finished second on the team in goals in the 2017-18 season with 23 and gave Rockford the lead on his first AHL playoff goal of his career.

GAME ONE HIGHLIGHTS: Rockford IceHogs def. Chicago Wolves, 2-1

In the second period, the IceHogs were able to add to their lead with a second goal on the powerplay. Chris DiDomenico dropped a pass to defenseman Adam Clendening who put a shot on net with screens provided by Sikura and Luke Johnson in front of Dansk. No re-direction was needed for Clendening’s shot and the IceHogs took a 2-0 lead into the final 20 minutes of the game.

In the third period, the IceHogs were able to batten-down and hold their 2-0 lead clean for just about 15 minutes before the Wolves broke-through. On a Chicago powerplay, Teemu Pulkkinen was able to bat a puck into the back of the net off of a rebound given up by Delia and cut Rockford’s lead in half with just over five minutes to play. Pulkkinen led Chicago in goals in the 2017-18 season with 29 tallies and shows he is going to continue to be a player that will need to be keyed on to be stopped in the series. From then on, the IceHogs were able to hold the one-goal lead and get to the final horn for the 2-1 win, taking a 1-0 lead in the Best-of-Five series as it heads to Rockford for Game Two.

Delia made 31 saves in his first taste of professional playoff hockey and earned his first career playoff victory. Along with the solid performance in net from Delia, Cody Franson with two assists and Adam Clendening with a powerplay goal and an assist lead the IceHogs offensively. The tend of the regular season continued in Game One with Clendening, Franson, Sikura, and Delia putting in solid efforts to lead Rockford. If that continues into Game Two at home, the IceHogs could find themselves in a very favorable spot heading back to Chicago for Game Three.

What’s Next?

After a win in Game One for the IceHogs over the Wolves, the series shifts to the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford. Here is the full first-round schedule for Rockford and Chicago:

• Game One – Rockford IceHogs def. Chicago Wolves, 2-1 (RFD leads series 1-0)
• Game Two – at Rockford, Sunday, April 22 – 4pm
• Game Three – at Chicago, Thursday, April 26 – 7pm
• Game Four * – at Rockford, Sunday, April 29 – 4pm (if necessary)
• Game Five * – at Chicago, Monday, April 30 – 7pm (if necessary)

Winner of the Rockford-Chicago series will go on to face the winner of the Manitoba Moose-Grand Rapids Griffins series in the Western Conference Semi-Finals.

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Rockford IceHogs Media Day Audio

The series, which begins on Saturday at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont (7pm CT puck drop), will be the second time in AHL history that Rockford and Chicago will square-off in the postseason. The only other series came back in 2008 in the second round, and saw the Wolves top the IceHogs on their way to winning the 2008 Calder Cup.

Chris DiDomenico (22) and Adam Clendening (2) of the Rockford IceHogs. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

But before all that, take a listen to what head coach Jeremy Colliton, along with Cody Franson, Jeff Glass, Tyler Sikura, and Adam Clendening have to say about the upcoming series and getting prepared for playoff hockey. Plus, hear from Chicago Blackhawks Senior Director of Minor League Affiliations, Mark Bernard, as he gives his thoughts on the 2017-18 season and looking ahead to getting back into the AHL postseason.

Head Coach Jeremy Colliton

Cody Franson

Jeff Glass

Tyler Sikura

Adam Clendening

Blackhawks Senior Director of Minor League Affiliations, Mark Bernard

What’s Next?

Game One of the opening round series between the Wolves and IceHogs begins in Rosemont on Saturday night. Here is the full first-round schedule for Rockford and Chicago:

• Game One – at Chicago, Saturday, April 21 – 7pm
• Game Two – at Rockford, Sunday, April 22 – 4pm
• Game Three – at Chicago, Thursday, April 26 – 7pm
• Game Four * – at Rockford, Sunday, April 29 – 4pm (if necessary)
• Game Five * – at Chicago, Monday, April 30 – 7pm (if necessary)

Winner of the Rockford-Chicago series will go on to face the winner of the Manitoba Moose-Grand Rapids Griffins series in the Western Conference Semi-Finals.

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Friday: Chicago Wolves def. Rockford IceHogs , 6-4

Friday night saw Rockford turn to Jeff Glass in net as he took a 5-1-0 record over his last six games into the contest. The IceHogs begin the game with a bit of uneasy play. After starting with a 4-0 shots on goal favor, Rockford committed a few too many turnovers and untimely penalties and found themselves down 2-0 after the first period of play. A goal from Keegan Kolesar just over four minutes into the game and a 5-on-3 powerplay goal from Teemu Pulkkinen dug the IceHogs a hole after 20 minutes of play.

The second period wouldn’t be much different for Rockford as they earned a powerplay early in the period, but it was T.J. Tynan who would breakthrough and net a short-handed goal to give the Wolves a 3-0 lead early in the middle frame. It would figure that on Friday the 13th, the IceHogs would be victims to themselves mid-way through the game, having given up a powerplay goal, even-strength goal, and a short-handed goal in less than 30 minutes of work. It would take all the way until the final minute of the period for William Pelletier to bury a rebound goal behind Oscar Dansk and get Rockford on the board. Pelletier’s 14th of the season cut the Chicago lead to 3-1 heading into the final period.

Unfortunately, any momentum that Rockford amassed with Pelletier’s late second period goal was lost early in the third period as Teemu Pulkinen would bury his second goal of the game to make it 4-1 early in the third period. The Wolves would add a powerplay goal just over a minute later to make it a 5-1 game.

Rockford would respond with a goal on the man-advantage of their own, coming from Cody Franson as it would cut the Wolves lead to 5-2 with just over 15 minutes to play in the period. They would add another goal from Chris DiDomenico a few minutes later to make it a 5-3 game mid-way through the final frame. Rockford pushed their way back into the game and with the net empty, scored on a Gustav Forsling slap-shot to make it a 5-4 Chicago lead with just under two and a half minutes to play in the game.

Chris DiDomenico celebrates a goal against the Chicago Wolves. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Coming back from being 5-1 down, Rockford had a huge momentum swing going in their favor for the first time in a serious way. But moments later, Glass made his way to the bench again, but the Wolves would find the back of the empty net to make it a 6-4 game and that’s how it would finish.

POSTGAME REACTION: Hear from Head Coach Jeremy Colliton after 6-4 loss to Chicago

Glass would make 24 saves on 29 shots faced on the night, Cody Franson would lead the IceHogs with a three-point night, but it wouldn’t be enough for an epic comeback win for Rockford in their final home game of the season. With the loss in regulation by Rockford, paired with a regulation loss by the Manitoba Moose against the Cleveland Monsters, the Chicago Wolves locked up back-to-back Central Division titles and the IceHogs were guaranteed the fourth-place finish in the Division, setting up a Chicago vs. Rockford first round matchup ion the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Rockford Names Team Award Winners

Prior to Friday night’s game, Rockford announced the winners of their team awards for the 2017-18 season.

Defenseman of the Year: Cody Franson

Cody Franson named the Rockford IceHogs defenseman of the year. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Most Improved Player: Collin Delia

Collin Delia named the Rockford IceHogs most improved player of the year. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Unsung Hero: William Pelletier

William Pelletier named Rockford IceHogs unsung player of the year. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Rookie of the Year: Matthew Highmore

Matthew Highmore named the Rockford IceHogs rookie of the year. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Most Valuable Player: Tyler Sikura

Tyler Sikura named the Rockford IceHogs 2017-18 MVP. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

What’s Next?

The regular season finale is Saturday night in Rosemont as the Wolves and IceHogs turn it around and square off at the All-State Arena for a 7pm Central time puck drop. As mentioned before, Rockford and Chicago will face each other in the Best-of-Five first round matchup in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Here is the full first-round schedule for Rockford and Chicago:

• Game One – at Chicago, Saturday, April 21 – 7pm
• Game Two – at Rockford, Sunday, April 22 – 4pm
• Game Three – at Chicago, Thursday, April 26 – 7pm
• Game Four * – at Rockford, Sunday, April 29 – 4pm (if necessary)
• Game Five * – at Chicago, Monday, April 30 – 7pm (if necessary)

The Illinois Lottery Cup season series between the two teams also ends on Saturday in Chicago, with the IceHogs having the advantage 6-5-0 over their 11 meetings. If the Wolves are to win on Saturday, they hold the tiebreaker over the IceHogs and would win the rivalry Cup.

This is fun, isn’t it?

The post IceHogs Fall To Wolves, Calder Cup Playoff First Round Set appeared first on The Rink.

Last season, the IceHogs finished last in the Division and missed out on the Calder Cup Playoffs, resulting in major staff and roster changes. The hard work all season by Rockford and first-year head coach Jeremy Colliton has paid off with a postseason berth and potential home-ice advantage still up for grabs.

Tuesday: Rockford IceHogs def. Iowa Wild, 5-3

Tuesday night saw Rockford roll into Des Moines, Iowa, to take on the Wild in the fourth game of a four-game road trip. Rockford needed just 1 point to clinch a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs and turned to red-hot goaltender Collin Delia to backstop them against Iowa. Delia came into Tuesday’s game with a 9-0-2 record over his last 11 appearances and is 16-6-4 on the season.

Rockford got on the board early with a deflection goal from Henrik Samulesson just over three minutes into the game. Samuelsson’s ninth of the year put Rockford in the driver seat early, but it would not last long as the Wild would tie the game 1-1 just under six minutes later. Kyle Rau would add a second goal for the Wild in the first period four minutes later and Iowa would take a 2-1 lead into the second period over the IceHogs.

In the second period, Rockford would yet again score within the opening five minutes as Anthony Louis notched his 13th goal of the season to tie the game at 2-2. Louis’ tally would put him into a tie for the team-lead in points (42) with Matthew Highmore. With momentum on their side, the IceHogs re-took the lead just four minutes later as Cody Franson put the puck on net and it deflected off of a Wild defenseman and in for the 3-2 goal. Franson’s seventh goal of the season was enough to give the IceHogs the one-goal advantage heading into the final frame.

In the third period, the Wild would pull out all the stops to play the roll of spoiler to Rockford as they took just three and a half minutes to tie the game 3-3 on Rau’s second goal of the game. Collin Delia would make a number of high-level saves throughout the third period to keep the game knotted up late into the period. Finally, with under five minutes to go, Lance Bouma would bury his seventh goal of the season to give the IceHogs the 4-3 lead. The Wild would pull Niklas Svedberg with just over two minutes to play, and Rockford would get an insurance empty net goal from Franson with under a minute to play to seal the deal, 5-3 over the Wild and clinch the fourth and final Calder Cup Playoff spot in the Central Division.

Hear from head coach Jeremy Colltion after the IceHogs clinched a Calder Cup Playoff spot:

Delia made 20 saves on 23 shots faced and improved his undefeated in regulation streak to 12 games at 10-0-2, with wins in the last five contests in a row. Delia’s record improves to 17-6-4 with a 2.64 GAA and a .904 save-percentage. Riding the hot-hand in net may turn out to be the best bet for head coach Jeremy Colliton to make, but it will be difficult with three more than capable AHL level goalies on the roster along with Jeff Glass and J.F. Berube.

Rockford Back In The Postseason

This time last season, the IceHogs were welcoming in a number of players on PTO’s and ATO’s trying to see what the Chicago Blackhawks had deep in their organization as the NHL club began preparations for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the AHL club was packing their bags ahead of a long off-season. With the last-place finish in the Central Division, the Blackhawks organization made a change in the IceHogs’ coaching staff, Relieving Ted Dent of his duties and bringing in a young head coach from the Swedish League in Jeremy Colliton. Not to mention, giving him a roster that would see more than a dozen players make their professional debuts.

Leading the IceHogs in net is a rookie in Collin Delia. Leading Rockford in scoring are two rookies in Matthew Highmore and Anthony Louis, both with 42 points on the year. Goal leaders are again two rookies in Highmore (23) and Tyler Sikura (22), making his mark in his first full season in the AHL. On the blue-line, rookies like Darren Raddysh and Luc Snuggerud have made impacts all season.

Although the roster began very, very young, over the course of the season the IceHogs would make a number of additions through trades and through call-ups and assignments that would add a major amount of veteran leadership. Players like Cody Franson, Lance Bouma, Andreas Martinsen, Chris DiDomenico, and Adam Clendening all joined Rockford at different points in the season, but have all been major players in the success of the club late in the year. Add in players like Henrik Samuelsson and John Hayden and the IceHogs roster has the right mix of veteran presence with rookies finding their way, and size and speed to go along with the vision of Colliton to be difficult to play against based on speed, skill, size, and work ethic. Rockford looks to be peaking at the right time as they charge into the Calder Cup Playoffs.

What’s Next?

The IceHogs are back in action on Friday night as they begin a home-and-home two-game series to end the regular season against the Chicago Wolves. The final two games of the season have major implications on the final seeding in the Central Division and could have a big impact on who Rockford will face in the opening round of the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Friday night’s game is scheduled for a 7pm Central Time puck drop at the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford, while Saturday is set to go down at 7pm Central Time at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont. For the IceHogs, the Calder Cup Playoffs are clinched, but there is still work to be done

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With eight games remaining this season, four of which are against Divisional opponents, the IceHogs find themselves on the cusp of locking down a Calder Cup Playoff spot. But, will the ever-changing roster that Rockford is experiencing hinder their chances?

Central Division Standings

Heading into Wednesday night’s action, here are the Central Division standings (Games remaining):

1. Manitoba Moose – 39-21-8, 86 pts, .632 pts% (8)
2. Chicago Wolves – 37-21-9, 83 pts, .619 pts% (9)
3. Grand Rapids Griffins – 36-24-8, 80 pts, .588 pts% (8)
4. Rockford IceHogs – 35-25-8, 78 pts, .574 pts% (8)
5. Iowa Wild – 30-22-15, 75 pts, .560 pts% (9)
6. Milwaukee Admirals – 34-28-5, 73 pts, .545 pts% (9)
7. Cleveland Monsters – 21-35-10, 52 pts, .394 pts% (10)

IceHogs Playoff Push Coming To Fruition

As Rockford stared down the barrel of the AHL Central Division heading into a 10-game stretch against inter-Division opponents, they were teetering on the brink of falling out of the playoff race, sitting in sixth-place behind the Milwaukee Admirals, Iowa Wild, and Grand Rapids Griffins. Through nine of those games, Rockford has a 6-1-2 record and has jumped from sixth to fourth-place in the Division and currently holds a three-point lead over the Wild for the final Calder Cup Playoff spot, with Iowa having played just one fewer game than Rockford.

There are a few players who have factored majorly in the playoff push that the IceHogs have put together. In net, Collin Delia and Jeff Glass have been a solid one-two punch that is able to give Rockford a chance to win every night. Since January 6, Delia has a sizzling 13-2-4 record after starting the season 1-4-0 in the AHL. As for Glass, since he returned from his stint with the Blackhawks in February, he has gone 3-4-0 with a 1.99 GAA over his last four games (3-1-0). Both goalies give the IceHogs a shot to win moving into the final two and a half weeks of the season.

Collin Delia makes a save against the Chicago Wolves. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

On the blue-line, there is no telling where this Rockford squad would be down the stretch without the contributions of Cody Franson and Adam Clendening. Both joining the team later in the season (Franson by assignment, Clendening by trade), they have provided a huge amount of experience to a young IceHogs locker room and have been driving the production from the blue-line as of late. Clendening has 29 points (3G, 26A) this season, 24 of which have come in his 30 games with Rockford this year. For Franson, although he imagined himself as a full-time Chicago Blackhawk this season, he has taken the leadership role with Rockford and provided a big boost on defense. 20 points (6G, 14A) in 30 games played with Rockford this season, Franson ranks third on the current roster for point per game (.67) and is fourth on the active roster in points for defensemen, having played a fraction of the games.

Finally, up front for the IceHogs has been a mixture of  full-season efforts and a few mid-season finds that have pushed Rockford offensively. Anthony Louis and Tyler Sikura have been major drivers of the IceHogs offense with Louis leading the team with 38 points (12G, 26A), and Sikura not far behind in third on the active roster with 32 points (18G, 14A) and second in goals behind Matthew Highmore’s 21. Add in Lance Bouma and Chris DiDomenico, two players who joined the IceHogs around the NHL trade deadline, and Rockford’s offense has been buzzing over their last ten games, averaging 3.1 goals per contest. Bouma has nine points in his 12 games with Rockford this year and since joining the IceHogs in late February, DiDomenico has 16 points (5G, 11A) in 14 games this year.

For a team that has endured a myriad of changes this season, having those players involved in the changes be able to produce at the levels they have has been a key to the successful run that Rockford has put together.

Roster Moves

Speaking of roster changes, there have been quite a few to catch-up on over the last two weeks. Here are a few of note since the 10-game stretch against the Central Division began:

• March 10 – Matheson Iacopelli returned from assignment to the Indy Fuel (ECHL)
• March 10 – John Hayden recalled by the Chicago Blackhawks
• March 20 – Andreas Martinsen recalled by the Chicago Blackhawks
• March 21 – Victor Ejdsell assigned to Rockford IceHogs from HV71 (SHL)
• March 23 – Joni Tuulola signed PTO
• March 25 – Victor Ejdsell recalled by the Chicago Blackhawks
• March 26 – Matthew Highmore returned from recall to the Chicago Blackhawks
• March 27 – Matt Tomkins recalled from the Indy Fuel (ECHL)

Matthew Highmore of the Rockford IceHogs. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

The final roster move coming in response to the Blackhawks also placed goaltender J.F. Berube on waivers on Tuesday morning. The loses of Martinsen, Hayden, and the newly acquired Ejdsell would have potentially crippled a lesser squad. But this is not the old IceHogs. Rockford has been able to answer the bell all season, and with the Blackhawks season in flux for most of the time, Rockford has been able to keep pace and now find the right time to get hot and make their moves in the Calder Cup Playoff race.

The re-addition of Matthew Highmore from his 13-game stint with the Blackhawks may be the biggest return they could have at this point in the season. Highmore leads the team in goals with 21, a rookie record for the IceHogs as an AHL organization, and was the team-leader in points when he was recalled with 35 points (21G, 14A) in 56 games.

What’s Next?

The IceHogs return to action tomorrow night (Wednesday, March 28) when they take on the Manitoba Moose for the second of tow games between the teams in Manitoba. On MOnday, Rockford defeated the Moose, 4-2 with a 32-save performance from Delia and multi-point games from Clendening, DiDomenico, and Sikura. Wednesday’s puck drop is scheduled for 7pm Central Time. After Wednesday’s game, the IceHogs return home to close the month of March with a Saturday night contest against the San Jose Barracuda. The second of two meetings between the teams this season, Rockford defeated the Barracuda earlier this year on the road with a 4-2 win in January. Puck drop for Saturday night’s game at the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford is set for 6pm Central Time.

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IceHogs On Cusp Of Playoff Position

After getting a win over Central Division foe Wild in Iowa, 5-2 on Monday, Rockford has a 4-0-2 record over the last six games against teams in the Central, 5-0-2 over their last seven games, and 7-1-2 over their last ten games, the best last ten game stretch of any team in the Central Division.

Starting back on March 10, the IceHogs began a ten-game stretch against inter-division opponents and have, so far, earned ten of a possible twelve points. With a weekend two-game homestand against the Chicago Wolves and Milwaukee Admirals on deck, followed by back-to-back games against the Manitoba Moose in Manitoba the following weekend, Rockford hopes to keep their current form rolling and create space between them and the Admirals, as well as jump the Wild and/or the Grand Rapids Griffins in the standings.

Goaltending Leading The Way

Probably the biggest credit to helping Rockford’s push is the production in net from Jeff Glass and Collin Delia. Over his last three starts, Glass has come back around to the form he had earlier in the season that earned him his first career NHL recall to the Blackhawks. After returning to Rockford with three losses and giving up 13 goals over that time, Glass has gone 3-0-0 in his last three starts with a 1.65 GAA and a .943 save-percentage. After and overtime win against the Wolves on March 11, Glass said he was finally starting to feel like himself again, and his play is evident that he is  back where the IceHogs need him to be.

For Delia, his development this season has been an interesting story, much like the goaltending situation that the Blackhawks organization as a whole is experience, but in a good way. Delia began the year as a free-agent signing out of Merrimack College and was with the ECHL’s Indy Fuel. After 10 appearances with Indy, Delia was a less than desirable 1-7-2, with a 4.12 GAA and a .887 save-percentage. That’s when the Blackhawks and IceHogs experienced a number of injury woes that would force the hand and give Delia his opportunity in the AHL.

The shakes continued into the AHL for Delia when he began the year 1-4-0, but since January 6, Delia has turned a corner (with one hiccup game) and has gone 11-2-3 to round out his 12-6-3 record this season. His save percentage had dipped to as low as .822 in the AHL this season, but has recovered to .901 and his GAA has dropped to a more than respectable 2.70. Over the IceHogs’ seven-game point-streak, Delia is 1-0-2.

Roster Turnover A Non-Issue In Rockford

Not to be overlooked, the production that the IceHogs have continued to receive even with the Blackhawks making a plethora of roster moves that would otherwise cripple a contending team, has been tremendous. Players like Anthony Louis, Cody Franson, Chris DiDomenico, and Tyler Sikura have all been key to Rockford’s success in the final few weeks of the season.

DiDomenico has been a welcomed veteran presence in the locker room and has been a point-per-game player since joining the IceHogs in January. Sikura has enjoyed a career year in his first full-time AHL season, leading the active roster in goals with 17 (Matthew Highmore has 21 but currently is with Chicago) and eventually earning himself an NHL contract with the Blackhawks.

Speaking of Matthew Highmore, when he was recalled to the Blackhawks, it marked the second time this season that Rockford’s active leading scorer would leave the team for an NHL spot. Enter Anthony Louis. One of the more under-the-radar players on the team behind Highmore and Vince Hinostroza earlier in the year, Louis has taken the team-lead in points with 37 (12G, 25A) in 61 games played in his first full-time AHL season this year.

Finally, Cody Franson’s addition to the Rockford blue-line has been pretty much what anyone could have expected. Although he wasn’t expecting to be playing in the AHL this season, Franson has taken his role with the IceHogs in stride and has been a driving force in their current form. Over the last six games against the Central Division, Franson has seven points (1G, 6A) and has been a key force in all situation’s. With the potential for a number of IceHog call-ups to return as the Blackhawks season winds down with no playoffs in sight, Rockford’s roster can only improve from here.

Martinsen Makes Blackhawks Debut, IceHogs Add Ejdsell

With roster shake-ups on the mind, the two most recent moves that Rockford has made have involved some sizable players. On Tuesday morning, the Blackhawks recalled forward Andreas Martinsen on an emergency basis. Martinsen, a veteran of 119 NHL games with the Colorado Avalanche and Montreal Canadiens, he became the first Norwegian-born player to play for the Blackhawks in Tuesday night’s loss to the Avalanche. Martinsen’s 26 points (12G, 14A) with Rockford this season rank him tied for fourth on the team and he has been a leader in a young locker room ever since joining the organization late in the Summer prior to the start of the season. With his physical game and hard-nosed approach around the net, he could very well earn himself another deal with the Blackhawks once the season ends.

Victor Ejdsell for HV71 in the SHL. (Courtesy: Mikael Fritzon)

Another sizable player that will factor into the final stretch of the season for the IceHogs is newly acquired forward Victor Ejdsell. A part of the trade that sent Ryan Hartman to the Nashville Predators, Ejdsell has finished his season with HV71 in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) and will be joining the IceHogs to make his North American Pro debut.

The-Rink Video: Victor Ejdsell Highlights

At 6’5″, 215-pounds, Ejdsell can provide a big body for Rockford that is able to have a scoring touch. In 71 career SHL games, Ejdsell has 36 points, but 34 of those came in 50 games this season with HV71. He led the team in goals (20) and finished third on the team in points (34). He will have to have a bit of a learning curve on the smaller ice in North America, but all signs point in the right direction for the 22-year old Ejdsell.

Playoff Race

Here is the AHL Central Standings as of Wednesday, March 21 (games remaining):

1. Manitoba Moose – 38-19-8, 84 pts, .646 pts % (11)
2. Chicago Wolves – 35-20-9, 79 pts, .617 pts % (12)
3. Iowa Wild – 30-20-14, 74 pts, .578 pts % (12)
4. Grand Rapids Griffins – 34-24-7, 75 pts, .577 pts % (11)
5. Rockford IceHogs – 33-24-8, 74 pts, .569 pts % (11)
6. Milwaukee Admirals – 32-28-5, 69 pts, .531 pts % (11)
7. Cleveland Monsters – 21-33-9, 51 pts, .405 pts % (13)

IceHogs Media Day: March 21

Watch: Head Coach Jeremy Colliton

Watch: Anthony Louis

Watch: Jeff Glass

Watch: Viktor Svedberg

What’s Next?

Rockford returns to action on Friday night as they host the team directly below them in the AHL Central Standings, the Milwaukee Admirals. Puck drop is set for 7pm Central Time at the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford. Following that, the IceHogs host the Chicago Wolves, who sit in third place in the Central Division, on Saturday night in Rockford. Puck drop for Saturday’s Illinois Lottery Cup Rivalry game is scheduled for 6pm Central Time.

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Tuesday: Rockford IceHogs def. Iowa Wild, 3-2 (OT)

Collin Delia would get the start for Rockford, having a 10-2-3 record coming into the game since Jan. 6th, but Tuesday night’s game didn’t start out the way the IceHogs would have hoped. After an early boarding penalty on Luc Snuggerud, the Wild were able to capitalize on the ensuing powerplay with a goal from Kyle Rau. Down early to the Wild, 1-0, in a one of the final home games of the season put the IceHogs in desperation mode early on.

Rockford would be able to equalize just past the mid-way point of the opening period with a goal from Lance Bouma. His first of the season since joining the IceHogs late last month, knotting it up at 1-1.  With a primary assist on the Bouma goal, forward Anthony Louis tallied his 35th point of the season to tie Matthew Highmore for the team lead this season.

The breathing room wouldn’t last long for Rockford, though, as the Wild were able to re-gain the lead with just over two minutes to play in the period as Brennan Menell was able to score the 2-1 goal on a third-chance effort in front of Delia. The first period would end 2-1 in favor of Iowa and that would hold into the third period.

The Rockford IceHogs celebrate a goal against the Iowa Wild. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Though the opening frame was more open and scoring chances were high for both sides, the second period of action was a much more tightly contested period and it bleed over into the third period. Both teams played a more aggressive fore-check and the quality scoring chances were limited until later in the third period when Henrik Samuelsson was able to find Rockford’s second equalizer of the game. Parked on the doorstep in front of Iowa starter Steve Michalek, Samuelsson was able to pot home the rebound off a Cody Franson shot for his fourth goal of the season, making it a 2-2 game.

Delia would fight off a number of Iowa chances late in the third period and helped the IceHogs force the overtime frame. The game would be the third-straight that Rockford would need extra time to find a result. In the overtime period, the IceHogs wouldn’t allow a shot on net en route to Andreas Martinsen tipping home the game-winning goal on a shot from Franson. Martinsen’s 12th goal of the season gave Rockford the 3-2 win and an important two-point result against a Central Division opponent.

With the win, Collin Delia improved his overall record to 12-6-3, with a 2.64 GAA, and a save-percentage of .904. Since January 6, Delia is 11-2-3 and his GAA over that period is 2.42 with a save-percentage of .900. With Jeff Glass and J.F. Berube rotating between the IceHogs and Chicago Blackhawks this season, Delia has been the constant for Rockford in net and his 33-save performance against the Wild was another statement start for the rookie net-minder.

Postgame Reaction: Head Coach Jeremy Colliton

Calder Cup Playoff Race

Heading into Wednesday night’s action, the IceHogs sit in fifth-place in the AHL Central Division. The Central Division race for the Calder Cup Playoffs is one of the tightest in the league with the difference between third and sixth place being separated by just four points and .034 percentage-points.

Here are the Central Standings as of Wednesday, March 14 (Games remaining):

1. Manitoba Moose: 36-17-8, 80 pts, .656 pct (15)
2. Chicago Wolves: 33-19-9, 75 pts, .615 pct (15)
3. Iowa Wild: 28-18-14, 70 pts, .583 pct (16)
4. Grand Rapids Griffins: 32-22-7, 71 pts, .582 pct (15)
5. Rockford IceHogs: 31-24-7, 69 pts, .556 pct (14)
6. Milwaukee Admirals: 31-25-5, 67 pts, .549 pct (15)
7. Cleveland Monsters: 20-32-7, 47 pts, .398 pct (17)

With the fewest games remaining, Rockford has work to do. The good news for them is that they still control their own fate for the rest of the season. With 14 games remaining, ten are against Central Division opponents, including the next seven-straight games. The bad news is that of the 14 games remaining, only four will be played at home for the IceHogs. They do control their path, but there is work to be done.

What’s Next?

Rockford is back in action on Friday night when they begin a three-game road stretch. On Friday, the IceHogs take on the Grand Rapids Griffins in Grand Rapids. Puck drop is scheduled for 6pm Central time on Friday. After that, Rockford travels to Rosemont to take on the Chicago Wolves on Saturday night. Puck drop for Saturday’s game is scheduled for 7pm Central time at the Allstate Arena.

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IceHogs Trade Piece: Cody Franson, Defenseman

Contract details: 1-year, $1.0M (expires end of 2017-18 season, UFA)

Rewind back to this last summer. The Blackhawks were in desperate need of help on the blue-line. With age catching up to some and not enough NHL experience available with others, the options for Chicago were thin. Enter Cody Franson. A free agent signing right at the beginning of the season, add Franson was thought to be a big move in the right direction for the Blackhawks defense.

Now it’s January 9, and the Blackhawks send Franson down to the IceHogs. A veteran of 550 NHL games and 212 NHL points, making a million dollars, down in the minors. Franson has voiced his displeasure and confusion behind the move to send him to Rockford, but has been a positive influence in the locker room for the IceHogs. In 10 games since joining Rockford, Franson has five points and has regularly been given a leadership role on a young IceHogs roster.

Cody Franson defends against the Ontario Reign. (Courtesy: Greg Hamil)

There’s little doubt that there is an NHL team out there that could use the experience and production that Franson can bring to the table. Especially with him being on a relatively cheap and expiring contract. Being a right-handed shot, the unicorn of NHL defensemen, Franson could be used as a sweetener in a larger-scale move, or could be used to fetch a middle or multiple lower-round draft picks.

IceHogs Trade Piece: Tanner Kero, Center

Contract details: 2-year, $1.5M (expires end of 2018-19 season, RFA)

While depth at the Center position is not a strong-point for the Blackhawks, there seems to be something off with their handling of Tanner Kero. A free agent signing out of Michigan Tech in 2015, Kero hasn’t found a permanent spot with the Blackhawks yet. Spending parts of the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons with the Blackhawks and IceHogs, Kero finally started to look like a solid option in a bottom-six role over this last summer. But he lost his spot quickly to Tommy Wingels on Chicago’s fourth-line group and couldn’t find a way to crack back into the spot.

It wouldn’t be until early December though when the Blackhawks finally decided to stop scratching him, and actually give him a shot at some ice-time with the IceHogs. Since re-joining Rockford, Kero has been put in all the key situations for the IceHogs and has 15 points over his 24 AHL games this season. At 25 years old, Kero is still young and still has the ability to play at an NHL level, but without the opportunity, he could find himself in an NHL-AHL limbo.

Tanner Kero defends against the Manitoba Moose. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Kero could be a minor piece in a larger deal for the Blackhawks, or like Franson, could fetch a mid-to-low round pick in a smaller scale move. Being cost-controlled for the 2018-19 season, Kero could benefit from a change of scenery as the Blackhawks organization needs to either see more from Kero, or move him out to open up a spot for younger players that may have more upside that him.

IceHogs Trade Piece: Adam Clendening, Defenseman

Contract details: 1-year, $650K (expires end of 2017-18 season, RFA)

No, this is not a reboot of analysis from 2015. The Blackhawks reacquired Adam Clendening from the Arizona Coyotes as part of the Anthony Duclair–Richard Panik trade. Prior to re-joining the organization and making him comeback to the IceHogs, Clendening has spent the better part of the last two seasons being a nomad in the NHL and AHL. After being traded to the Vancouver Canucks in 2015, he finished the season with the organization in the AHL with the Utica Comets. Clendening spent part of the 2015-16 season with the Pittsburgh Penguins organization before again being traded, this time to the Edmonton Oilers. The 2016-17 season was spent entirely with the New York Rangers before signing with the Arizona Coyotes this summer and then making his way back to Chicago in early January.

To his credit, Clendening has never been a bad option as a fringe-NHL defenseman. With 86 NHL games under his belt, Clendening has proved he can play at the top-level, but his staying power has been the biggest question. In his career with the IceHogs, prior to re-joining the team on January 11, Clendening had 185 games played, 118 points, and was named an AHL All-Star in 2012-13 and 2013-14. This season with the IceHogs, Clendening has 10 points in 10 games.

Adam Clendening defends against the Bakersfield Condors. (Courtesy: Greg Hamil)

With a very cheap contract that expires at the end of the year, Clendening is an option for the Blackhawks to move as part of a bigger deal. The skill to be an option at the NHL level is there for Clendening, the problem is making sure that another NHL teams sees it too. If the Blackhawks decide not to flip Clendening after the acquisition in the Duclair-Panik trade, he could be a useful defenseman for the IceHogs as they attempt to make a Calder Cup Playoff push. But for the Blackhawks sake, it would be wise to get the most out of him on the trade market, wherever they can.

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IceHogs Working to Get Through “Dog-Days” of January

The month started out with a hard grind with a three games in three days stretch for Rockford, in which the IceHogs were able to get three points with a 1-1-1 stretch over those three games. Including a loss to the Cleveland Monsters to begin the season, the IceHogs have started off 1-2-1 to begin the new year and have a 4-5-1 record over their last ten games as of January 9. Not ideal considering that the Manitoba Moose are 17-1-3 since November 15 and the Chicago Wolves are 12-0-2 over their last 14 games as of January 9. Needless to say, if the IceHogs want to climb the standings, they too will need to string wins together.

Easier said than done, of course. Coming off of their three games in three days stretch, Rockford will head out on a six game road trip that will take them to the Pacific time zone for three games against the Ontario Reign, San Jose Barracuda, and Bakersfield Condors before heading back to the Midwest for three games against the Cleveland Monsters (twice) and the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Still playing with two goalies that started the season with the Indy Fuel in Collin Delia and Matt Tomkins, and with a plethora of players heading into and out of Rockford this week, the IceHogs have a tall task in January to keep up in the Central Division.

Roster Shakeups Galore

The IceHogs have had one heck of a second week of January as far as transactions go. It was a long stretch to begin the season before the IceHogs and Blackhawks had any major movement.

Throughout the month of December, the IceHogs and Blackhawks moved the likes of Ville Pokka, Tanner Kero, Vince Hinostroza, David Kampf, and Jeff Glass with the latter three still playing in Chicago as of January 9. But in just the last few days there have been a number of players moving up and down within the organization as Tomas Jurco and Erik Gustafsson head from Rockford to Chicago and John Hayden and Cody Franson from Chicago down to Rockford. Additionally, the IceHogs sent Robin Press to the Indy Fuel and recalled Alex Wideman.

For Hinostroza, Kampf, Jurco, and Gustafsson the opportunity to make an impact for the organization at the NHL level is surely welcomed. Hinostroza led the IceHogs in scoring when he was recalled and has tallied eight points in 11 games with Chicago. For Kampf in his North American debut season, being one of the top-players that Head Coach Jeremy Colliton trusted in Rockford was a large stamp of approval and led to his recall in December. Since joining the Blackhawks, Kampf has two assists in six games and has played major minutes on the penalty-kill.

Tomas Jurco of the Rockford IceHogs (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Jurco and Gustafsson are the most recent call-ups from the IceHogs and have opportunities to make, potentially, one last impression for the Blackhawks as the NHL trade deadline approaches. Jurco, a trade deadline acquisition last season for Chicago, left a lot of people wanting a lot more out of him in his short stint with the Blackhawks. Starting the season with the IceHogs, Jurco seems to have found more confidence in his game as he ranked second on the team in scoring with 25 points in 36 games played before being recalled.

Gustafsson is in a similar boat as he has not made an impact for the Blackhawks since playing in 41 games during the 2015-16 season. He spent all of last season with the club in Rockford and aside from an injury that sidelined him for just about a month’s time, Gustafsson has been the most reliable defenseman for the IceHogs this season. While it’s possible both of their time with the NHL club will be short, it goes without saying that with both players becoming restricted free-agents at season’s end, the time to “show me” may be now.

Finally, with all these moves, the two top names that are heading down to the AHL are veteran Cody Franson and kinda-rookie John Hayden. As of late, both players have left a little to be desired from the Blackhawks, but their paths out of Rockford may be very different.

For Hayden, playing in a fourth-line grinder role fits his style of play as a big-body power forward. But, to stick in the NHL as a fourth-line grinder is not what the Blackhawks should have in mind for the 22-year old out of Yale. Hayden developed his game at the NCAA level and netted 21 goals in 33 games as a Senior Captain for the Bulldogs. Watching Hayden in the Summer at Prospect Camp and seeing his game at Yale, the scoring touch is very much there for him. He has not had the opportunity to showcase that very much this season, so the plan for him needs to be playing quality minutes and be more skill-oriented in his role. The hope is that time with the IceHogs will give Hayden more confidence and make him more effective when the time comes to bring him back to the Blackhawks, much like the organization did with Nick Schmaltz last season.

Franson’s case has become a bit murky. He joined the team out of training camp on a fairly team-friendly one-year, $1M deal for an NHL vet of over 500 games and 200 points as a defenseman. Franson started the season off well and his contribution were a welcome surprise to fans and the organization. But as of late, his lack of foot-speed and production on the score-sheet have not been the best for the Blackhawks. After clearing waivers and being sent to the IceHogs, Franson becomes a player buried in the AHL that could still make a nice addition to an NHL organization out there. He has always been an analytics-favored defenseman, but for some reason, teams felt that passing on him through waivers was all fine and good. His last stint in the AHL was just six games with the Milwaukee Admirals in the 2009-10 season and with the NHL trade deadline approaching, Franson’s stint with the IceHogs could be short-lived as a deal could be made with the Blackhawks defensive core emerging beyond him.

New All-Stars?

With both Vince Hinostroza and Erik Gustafsson being recalled by the Blackhawks, the IceHogs have effectively lost both of their AHL All-Star’s just two and a half weeks away from the All-Star break. It’s possible that Gustafsson’s stay with the Blackhakws could be short enough to have him return to Rockford before the AHL All-Star weekend on January 28-29, but Hinostroza will most likely not be returning to the IceHogs that quickly, or at all for that matter. With his play providing a jolt to the Blackhawks lineup, Hinostroza could have potentially played his last games of the season with the IceHogs already.

Matthew Highmore of the Rockford IceHogs. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

In their absence, the IceHogs have at least one player that has a very compelling argument to be a replacement in the AHL All-Star weekend. Rookie Matthew Highmore has been quite the addition to the IceHogs and the Blackhawks organization as a whole.

An undrafted free agent signing in the spring of last season, Highmore’s rookie season with Rockford has led the way for the IceHogs’ rookie class. With 26 points in 37 games played, Highmore leads the team in scoring and leads all AHL rookies in goal-scoring with 17 goals so far. His 26 points also rank him in the top-ten of rookie scoring overall. IceHogs Head Coach Jeremy Colliton has found yet another rookie on his roster that he can play in every situation as Highmore has played top-line center along with major minutes on both the penalty-kill and powerplay units.

If Hinostroza and/or Gustafsson don’t make their ways back to the AHL in time, Highmore should be an easy addition to the AHL Central Division All-Star roster.

What’s Next?

As mentioned before, the IceHogs are staring at a tough test as the next six games will all be away from the BMO Harris Bank Center. The good news for Rockford is that every team they play on this upcoming six game road trip are below them in the AHL Western Conference standings. Granted no game is easy in the AHL, but for the IceHogs, the games right in front of them all fall into the “winnable” category. It all begins on Wednesday, January 10 when the IceHogs roll into Ontario, California to take on the Ontario Reign.

After Rockford returns from the six game road trip, they will have back-to-back homes games before finishing the month of January on the road for a game against the Grand Rapids Griffins before taking some time off for the AHL All-Star Weekend.

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Gustafsson joining the already jam-packed Blackhawks defensive corp can be seen as somewhat surprising. Most of the defensemen were playing well and some, like Jan Rutta, were fighting to get back in the lineup despite playing well before injury. Even Cody Franson was not playing badly, per se. What this move does is give the Blackhawks better breakouts from their own end. Gustafsson might not necessarily bring the powerplay prowess that Franson did, but he moves the puck well from his own end and has better footspeed than Franson. Quenneville might simply be just trying to get quicker, after the Golden Knights exposed them Friday night.

It has also been floated that the Blackhawks may be showcasing Michal Kempny and/or Erik Gustafsson for a move in the near future, and the Senators have been linked as a potential trade partner.

This morning, our very own John Jaeckel brought up that the Blackhawks may simply be resting Seabrook, with four games in six nights before the CBA mandated bye week. Personally, I think this is all just getting blown out of proportion, and that letting an aging vet take the first night of a back-to-back off is reasonable.

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Jurco Heads To Blackhawks, Hayden Assigned To IceHogs

This season with the IceHogs, Jurco has tallied 25 points (13G, 12A) in 36 games played, good for second on the team in scoring. After joining the Blackhawks organization in February of last season, Jurco played in 13 games and scored one goal. He did not suit up for Chicago during the playoffs and was sent to Rockford coming out of training camp in the fall. In his NHL career, Jurco has played 172 games and has 40 points (16G, 24A) with 10 games of playoff experience since being a second-round draft pick in 2011 by the Detroit Red Wings.

For Hayden, his rookie season started off with a good amount of promise, playing in a fourth-line role mainly with Tommy Wingels and Lance Bouma. Recently, Hayden’s production has taken a hit and his ice-time has been limited. The assignment to Rockford will be Hayden’s first playing experience in the AHL. Hayden was a third-round draft pick by the Blackhakws in 2013 and joined the team late last season after four years at Yale University. In his NHL career, Hayden has played in 51 games with 15 points (4G, 11A) and one game of playoff experience.

The move should benefit both players, giving Jurco an opportunity to make an impact at the NHL level, like fellow IceHogs recalls Jeff Glass, David Kampf, and Vince Hinostroza have in recent weeks. For Hayden, the chance to play significant minutes with Rockford and play in a more skill-oriented role should give him an opportunity to find confidence in his game and ultimately be better for the Blackhawks, much like the time for Nick Schmaltz with the IceHogs did last season.

Franson Placed On Waivers

In addition to the Jurco-Hayden transaction, the Blackhawks also placed veteran defenseman Cody Franson on waivers. This season Franson has made 23 appearances for the Blackhawks with seven points (1G, 6A), but has been out with an injury for the last few weeks. Franson joined the Blackhawks as a free agent out of training camp and had been a solid blue-line addition when his time began with Chicago. But Franson’s play before his injury had started to slump and the Blackhawks have too many slower defensemen to carry in their regular lineup to keep a place for Franson.

In his NHL career, Franson has 550 games played with 212 points (43G, 169A) and 28 playoff games experience with stints in Nashville, Toronto, and Buffalo before joining the Blackhawks.

The Blackhawks return to action on Wednesday night as they host the Minnesota Wild, while the IceHogs get back on the ice on Wednesday as well, travelling to face the Ontario Reign.

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With Jordan Oesterle already filling in for Franson, and Michael Kempny possibly having to back-fill for the recently injured and possibly concussed Jan Rutta, the Blackhawks needed to have an extra defenseman on the roster. Pokka is a surprising pick, because the popular opinion is that Joel Quenneville and the staff are not impressed with his overall foot speed. Offensive talent has never been a question with the Finnish defenseman, but his defensive prowess has been in question.

Either way, the Blackhawks have quickly dropped down their defensive depth chart in the past week, which will only add to the concerns this team has exhibited. I would be personally surprised to see Pokka get much more than a game, unless both Franson and Rutta will be out for an extended amount of time. The extent of Rutta’s injury is not yet known.

That said, It would be nice to actually see him get a shot to show the rest of the NHL what he has. He has not seemingly been in the Blackhawks future plans for a while, but he could probably help a few teams out there. Only time will tell.

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With opening night less than a week away, the Blackhawks are down to some tough decisions with their roster. We talked at length about the options on Tuesday night’s Shoutcast, but there are some real questions. I’m going to break down some of the upcoming roster decisions or at least try to lay them out in a logical manor. This doesn’t mean Joel Quenneville decide to use the logical method. Next, we look at maybe the most volatile of positions, the defense.

The Blackhawks defense became a huge point of contention the day Niklas Hjalmarsson was traded to the desert earlier this summer. As far as roster spots go, there are either slam dunks or complete question marks. Nothing in between. I will start with the top end slam dunks. Duncan Keith, Brent Seabook and Connor Murphy are all going to unequivocally be every day players for this year’s Blackhawks team.

Keith is 34 years old, and logs an inhumane amount of time on ice. He also began to have knee issues last season, and missed some time as a result. Joel Quenneville is, no doubt, going to ride his horse right into the ground, and get as many miles as he can on the way. Duncan Keith, though, is still playing at a top 10 defenseman level, so we’ll just have to take each coming season one at a time. Until he really drops off, fans can just blissfully and ignorantly believe it’ll last forever.

Brent Seabrook gets a bum rap for all he does and just keeps dragging marginal partners around on his back, like Master-Blaster from Mad Max, season after season. Sure, he makes a hefty salary, and sure he’s not 25 any more, but the guy is an anchor (not in a bad way) in helping to bring along young players. Losing Hjalmarsson was most likely a bigger loss, but Seabrook is not that far behind. Until he cannot perform as one of the top 3 defensemen on this team, he needs to be embraced. He is also not going anywhere until there is a defined replacement, and right now there isn’t anyone even close. So, get the thought of trading him out of your head right now.

Connor Murphy might be the second best defender on this team in the very near future but, at the moment, he is the third. When real games are played and he’s not lost in the rotation of bums, he will probably show us more than he has thus far. Murphy has been adequate when in the lineup, but the Blackhawks will certainly need more from him. That said, asking him to be Niklas Hjalmarsson is just unfair. Fans need to set open minded expectations for Murphy. He is only 24, and has already logged a full seasons worth of games more than Hjalmarsson did at the same age. Murphy has also been used differently, in Arizona. His defensive zone starts, last season, were higher than Nik Hjalmarrson’s ever have been at 58.5%. As a result, and not unexpectedly, his possession numbers were lower as well. I have an open mind, and I’m going to give him at least a full season, before I cast judgement. I suggest you join in.

The next wave of players are not just one notch below the top three but, probably, two notches. This is not to say that they will be awful, because there is a lot to look forward to. So, walk with me down the middle of the road…

The first player, based on experience, is Michal Kempny. I swung and missed, like Adam Dunn at the plate, on Kempny last season. I had high hopes for him to be the next Brent Seabrook type player, and he turned into the next Michal Rozsival. His possession metrics were actually good, on paper, but he was also heavily shielded from defensive zone starts. This season, the Blackhawks have another fellow countryman on the team to help him out and, more importantly, they ditched Joel Quenneville’s little buddy Mike Kitchen. Ulf Samuelsson stepping in should help Michal Kempny’s confidence. He may never reach the levels of top pair, but he can be a useful bottom 3 defender.

Speaking of Kempny’s fellow countryman, Jan Rutta will be an NHL rookie at the spry age of 27. Already, he has surprised many, with his strength, size, and composure. Rutta, at least in the preseason, has been more of what I expected from Kempny last season. If he continues to play the way he has, he will be the 4th best defenseman on this team before long. He has Seabrook size, and has a smart confidence in his game that is very comforting. This might be a real Stan Bowman find.

Gustav Forsling is an enigma, plain and simple. He has all the tools to become a top 4 offensive defenseman, but his brain needs some catching up. Much like last season, we have all watched him make some very nice noticeable plays, but then had a terrible play, like in the Bruins game, where he looks like a completely lost puppy. While I think that he should start in the NHL, the best thing for him might be some AHL time, once again. He needs to really tighten his game up. On the powerplay, he is an extremely useful player, but even strength he has been hit-or-miss. I have ragged on Alex Debrincat a lot, but if you look at the numbers, it’s Forsling that has been the bust so far. SO FAR. This is a 20 year old kid, too. I love that the media and fanbase have not piled on him yet. Give him time to grow, and I think the end result will be much better for everyone.

A lot of people are forgetting that Cody Franson is with the team on a Professional Tryout but, unless something drastic happens, Franson is going to get a contract offer once the season begins. With question marks in Kempny and Forsling, the Franson situation is that much more important. He’s a big veteran guy that can play in all situations as a bottom pair defenseman. He’s a better, older, version of Trevor van Reimsdyk. The Blackhawks will be better with him than without, so get used to seeing number 11 out there this season.

Not many people know about Jordan Oesterle. We have heard that he is a puck moving defenseman, and he has certainly gotten some playing time this preseason. I have not really noticed him do anything extremely special but, maybe, that is what we shold ask from him. Don’t be noticeable. If Quenneville goes with Keith, Murphy, Seabrook, Rutta, Kempny, Franson and Forsling, Jordan Oesterle will end up in Rockford. If they decide to let Forsling percolate in Rockford for a while, then Oesterle is your 7th defenseman. Otherwise, there just isn’t any room for an 8th defenseman.

Michal Rozsival is still technically on the team, but he failed his physical and probably shouldn’t be in the Blackhawks plans any longer, anyway. Erik Gustafsson is a decent depth player, but there are several better options in the organization.

The last player that really intrigues me is Luc Snuggerud. He had a really nice Traverse City tournament and was having a solid training camp, until he was injured against the Redwings last week. I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see him get some NHL time this season, just so the Hawks know what they have. Once he’s healthy, we should expect to see him get a boat load of time in Rockford, though.

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