The 30-year-old Evanston native had 12 points (7G, 5A) and 43 penalty minutes in 57 games with the Blackhawks, last season. He signed a one-year deal the previous July to come play for his home town team.

Lance Bouma signed with the Blackhawks the previous July, as well, but ended up finishing the season with the Rockford Icehogs once players like Andreas Martinsen emerged as viable options in the Blackhawks lineup. The 28-year-old former Calgary Flames cast-off had 9 points (3G,6A) with the Blackhawks before being sent to Rockford.

Bouma played 33 games (20 regular season, and 13 playoffs) with the Icehogs, collecting 16 points (8G, 8A) and 26 penalty minutes. His locker room leadership helped lead the Rockford club to a conference final appearance, where they ultimately lost to the Texas Stars.

The post Former Blackhawks Wingels and Bouma Sign In Swiss League appeared first on The Rink.

He did not.

Lance Bouma Fades Into IceHogs Lineup To End 2017-18 Season

Bouma began the season in Chicago playing in a bottom-six wing role and for the most part, was doing his part in that role to help the team succeed. The problem was that the team was not succeeding and Chicago began to go south in the standings once the middle of the Winter schedule hit.

Bouma would begin to lose ice-time over the back half of his time with Chicago, logging less than ten minutes a game 21 times during his 53 games with the Blackhawks during the 2017-18 season, including just over seven minutes in his final game with the Blackhawks in February before being a healthy-scratch the rest of his time in Chicago.

With his role diminishing in Chicago, the Blackhawks sent Bouma to the Rockford IceHogs in late February and would not make a return to the NHL squad the rest of the way out. Bouma ended his tenure with the Blackhawks after 53 games with nine points (3G, 6A).

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

In his time with the IceHogs, Bouma skated in 20 regular season games, tallying 14 points (7G, 7A) and was frequently slotted into a top-six role. While playing higher-priority minutes with the IceHogs, Bouma continued to play his physical role on the ice and added to the growing veteran presence in the Rockford locker room as the playoff push intensified.

Bouma’s highlight with the IceHogs came in a 5-3 win over the Chicago Wolves in late March as he notched a three-point night with two goals and an assist.

Final Season Grade: C+

In the Calder Cup Playoffs, Bouma nearly disappeared into thin air if you only looked at the box score of each game. Through the IceHogs’ 13-game run in the Calder Cup Playoffs, he tallied just one goal and one assist. But Bouma’s influence in each game was felt more by the chances he was creating for his teammates and the physicality he was able to bring, to match that of the opposing team every night.

Most notably were Bouma’s efforts during the IceHogs epic triple-overtime win over the Chicago Wolves in the opening round, where he tallied seven shots on goal.

While it was not the type of season that maybe he or the Blackhawks organization had pictured, Bouma’s influence on the young IceHogs roster will hopefully be felt as the players in the Blackhawks system progress.

Future Outlook

An unrestricted free agent when the July 1 free agency widows opens, Bouma does not look like he will factor into the Chicago Blackhawks’ plans moving forward. On the other side of the coin, Bouma probably would want a fresh start elsewhere, too. Bouma didn’t suffer any major injury during the season and should be looked at as a potential target for most NHL teams this summer.

The post Rockford IceHogs 2017-18 Season Review: Lance Bouma 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.

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.

The post IceHogs Complete Comeback Win In Overtime Against Wild appeared first on The Rink.

No IceHogs Involved In Blackhawks Deadline Moves

The Blackhawks made two deals on Monday, neither one touched the roster of the IceHogs. First, Chicago dealt forward Ryan Hartman to the Nashville Predators.

• Blackhawks Receive: 2018 1st Round pick, 2018 4th Round pick, Victor Ejdsell
• Predators Receive: Ryan Hartman, 2018 5th Round pick

As the clock struck 2pm, the Blackhawks made their second move of Deadline Day sending forward Tommy Wingels to the Boston Bruins.

• Blackhawks Receive: 2018 Conditional 5th Round pick (If Bruins reach Eastern Conference Semi-Finals or re-sign Wingels, pick becomes 2018 4th Round)
• Bruins Receive: Tommy Wingels

While rumors swirled that the Blackhawks may have been trying to deal defenseman Brent Seabrook and/or forward Artem Anisimov, the deals would have potentially needed to involve prospects to sweeten any type of deal. The IceHogs were able to come away from the NHL Deadline without losing any key personnel.

As far as trade reaction goes, the Blackhawks were essentially able to turn Ryan Hartman and Tommy Wingels into 2018 1st and 4th round picks and a “near NHL-ready” prospect, to quote general manager Stan Bowman, in Ejdsell. All-in-all, a decent haul for what was being moved. It hurts to lose a player like Hartman, but the return makes the most sense for trying to rebuild towards the future. With that 1st Round pick coming from the Predators, it’ll more than likely come in the late 20’s, maybe even as high as 30th or 31st, we’ll see.

Pushing Paper

As well as making trades on Monday, the Blackhawks and IceHogs needed to be mindful of the roster limits of the AHL. With the passing of the NHL Trade Deadline, the AHL rosters would be locked for who could participate in any postseason action. With that in mind, the Blackhawks made “paper transactions” to make sure that David Kampf, Carl Dahlstrom, and J.F. Berube would be eligible for any kind of Calder Cup Playoff action the IceHogs may see in the Spring.

Kampf originally was recalled by Chicago on Dec. 27 and since then, he has skated in 27 games with eight points (3G, 5A). In his time with the IceHogs, Kampf played in 30 games with 16 points (7G, 9A).

Dahlstrom, after being named an AHL All-Star in January, was recalled by the Blackhawks on Feb. 9 and since has skated in seven games with two assists. While in Rockford this season, he played in 47 games with 23 points (3G, 20A).

J.F. Berube makes a save against the Cleveland Monsters. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Berube has had two stints with the Blackhawks this season, but made his first start with Chicago just a few days ago on Friday, Feb. 23 against the Sharks. In two appearances in the NHL this year, Berube is 1-0-0 with a 1.73 GAA and a .947 save percentage. With the IceHogs, he made 15 appearances with a 7-8-0 record, a 2.37 GAA and .920 save percentage.

Roster Moves To Make

Aside from the paper transactions and trades made on Monday, the Blackhawks also made a pair of moves to open up roster space in Chicago. Forward Lance Bouma was placed on waivers on Sunday and cleared on Monday afternoon. Once clearing, Bouma was assigned to the IceHogs. This season in Chicago, Bouma has skated in 53 games with nine points (3G, 6A) and has 95 games of AHL experience, all with the Abbotsford Heat.

With Bouma being sent down to the IceHogs, the Blackhawks made a corresponding move by re-calling forward Matthew Highmore. A free agent signing in the Summer, Highmore leads the IceHogs with 35 points (21G, 14A) in 56 games played. In his latest game against the Hershey Bears, Highmore netted his 21st goal of the season and in doing so, set the franchise AHL record for goal-scoring by a rookie.

Matthew Highmore drives to the net against the Bakersfield Condors. (Courtesy: Todd Reicher)

Along with Highmore, it would not be surprising to see the Blackhawks recall players like John Hayden, Gustav Forsling, or Anthony Louis and give them a shot with Chicago before season’s end. Hayden played in 39 games with the Blackhawks this season before being sent to Rockford on Jan. 8. Since then, Hayden has skated in 19 games with 14 points (5G, 9A). Forsling is another player that began the 2017-18 season with the Blackhawks, but was sent to the IceHogs on Jan. 21 and has since skated in 12 games with three points.

Finally, Anthony Louis has been one of the more underrated forwards for Rockford this season. When players like Kampf, Tomas Jurco, and Vince Hinostroza were recalled by the Blackhawks, Louis and Highmore took the offensive reins. Louis has 32 points (10G, 22A) in 51 games his first full year in the AHL this season. With the trades of Hartman and Wingels, along with the Bouma assignment, the Blackhawks have the roster space and the IceHogs have the players worthy of a look in the NHL.

What’s Next?

The IceHogs return to action on Wednesday as they host the Texas Stars in Rockford. Puck drop is set for 7pm Central Time at the BMO Harris Ban Center. Both the Stars and IceHogs are fighting to keep their Calder Cup Playoff hopes alive as the Stars sit in 3rd place in the AHL Pacific Division with a 29-19-7 record, 65 points and a .591 point-percentage. As for Rockford, they currently are on the outside looking in at the Playoff picture. Sitting in 5th place in the AHL Central Division with a 27-23-6 record, 60 points and a .536 point-percentage, the IceHogs trail the Iowa Wild by .047 point-percentage points for 4th place and a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs. As of Monday, Rockford has 20 games to play, while the Wild have 22 to play. There is work to be done for the IceHogs.

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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 manner. This doesn’t mean Joel Quenneville decide to use the logical method. Lastly, we look at the offense:

Brandon Saad – Jonathan Toews – Richard Panik

This is your first line, and it has been since the day the Blackhawks traded Artemi Panarin for Brandon Saad back in June. We all know what we are going to get from Saad and Jonathan Toews. Richard Panik is a bit more of a wild card. No one believed me when I predicted that Panik could easily replace the 34 points that were sent to Montreal with Andrew Shaw. No only did Panik replace the points, but he eclipsed it. By a decent margin. He played all 82 games, and contributed 22 goals, 22 assists for 44 points. These are all better than Andrew Shaw has ever reached in his career. I don’t expect that Panik will have 22 goals again, but it’s really not all that unreasonable. With Saad on the other wing, Panik will have more room to work. As long as he is in the right place, he will have every opportunity to equal that 44 points. This line is light years better now than it was in April. Expect Jonathan Toews to have a bounceback typical Jonny Toews year, and for Brandon Saad to have a career year. Saad is coming off three straight 50+ point seasons, and this year will be no different. 60 points is not unfathomable.

Alex Debrincat – Nick Schmaltz – Patrick Kane

I know, the Debrincat hater has him not only making the team, but playing in the top 6. If you look at the alternatives, there really aren’t any. Unless they move Nick Schmaltz back to wing, no one else fits the position, and they certainly haven’t been playing Schmaltz at center all preseason only to dump him back at the wing. I think Debrincat will hit the wall in ten games and they will need to re-adjust but, for the moment, it won’t hurt to try this combo out to open the season. Speaking of Nick Schmaltz, this kid has impressed me. He was a pouty little brat, last season, once he was sent to Rockford and it rubbed me the wrong way. Granted he still has that pouty look on his face all the time, but his play has grow leaps and bounds. He was “good” last season, after he came back from Rockford, but this preseason he has been excellent. I would have never placed him at second line center, but that is where he has been the entire preseason. He has not looked out of place either. This makes you wonder what the future holds for new third line $4.55 million center Artem Anisimov. Patrick Kane is; Patrick Kane. I don’t want to say too much or the PC Police will come after me.

Patrick Sharp – Artem Anisimov – Ryan Hartman

If we didn’t expect to have Debrincat or Schmaltz on the second line, we certainly didn’t expect to see Artem Anisimov on the third line. If Debrincat makes the team, I’m fine with Sharp on the third line, and if Debrincat doesn’t, then someone like Wingels or Hayden can slide up. Ryan Hartman is a perfect third line player and will have a solid year once again there. Anisimov is a perfectly fine third line center, but I have my reservations about paying a player $4.55 million for the next 4 years to play on the third line. At some point they have to investigate getting him to waive that no trade clause and clear that cap room. For the near future, he is perfectly fine in the third line role. Even if he can’t win a faceoff to save his life. Circling back to Debrincat, Quenneville toyed with playing him on this third line with Anisimov and Hartman, and I’m not a fan whatsoever. He is not really responsible defensively, yet, and he is not a player that drives possession by himself. He needs to be set up for his chances, by skill players. Anisimov and Hartman are good, but they are good straight line players. They are not going to set Debrincat up with beautiful passes, or dazzling moves. I cannot see this experiment working, and you are not putting him in a position to succeed based on his skillset.

Tommy Wingels – Tanner Kero – Lance Bouma
Tomas Jurco, Jordin Tootoo, John Hayden,Vinnie Hinostroza

This fourth line is a complete mystery. You might as well just throw all the names in a hat and randomly pick them out. What you see above is not what I would select, rather what I think Quenneville and Bowman will decide. Tanner Kero is a fine, responsible fourth line center and should have that position locked down. Tommy Wingels, Lance Bouma and Jordin Tootoo are basically the same player in “small, medium, sort-of-large” sizes. If Quenneville wants to keep one of those three players as a 13th forward for the “grit”, that’s fine by me. Keeping all three is simply preposterous. My honest opinion is that they should keep Wingels and Hayden, waive Bouma or Tootoo, and launch Tomas Jurco into the sun. This is not the year to waste roster spots on players that you mistakenly signed or traded for. The problem with this entire scenario is that the Blackhawks rarely ever admit their mistakes, which means Wingels, Bouma, Tootoo, and Jurco will all make the roster. This leaves Hayden and Hinostroza heading due west to Rockford, even though John Hayden has done everything to make this opening night roster. We are only talking about 6-8 minutes a night for this line, but it is just not the best way to maximize your talent. There I go applying logic again. Please allow me to beat any logic out of my brain with a 2×4.

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