The Rockford IceHogs Report: Week 20

The Rockford IceHogs have hit their stride at the right time of year, and are now on a 10-game point streak with just 19 games left in the regular season. The IceHogs also welcomed back one of the team’s all-time greatest players with a trade late in the week.

Mandatory Credit: Todd Reicher

Game Recaps

Saturday, February 21st vs. Chicago Wolves

The IceHogs opened Week 20 with yet another match against their bitter rival from down the road. Two goals, one in the first period by Brandon Pirri, and the next in the second period by Garret Ross were all the ‘Hogs needed on this night, as Jason LaBarbera was near-perfect, finishing the game with 21 saves on 22 shots. Jeremy Morin had an assist and four shots on the night. Pirri and Morin were the game’s First and Third Stars, respectively.

Sunday, February 22nd vs. Miwaukee Admirals

The Milwaukee Admirals were the next divisional rival to walk into the BMO Harris Bank Center, but the IceHogs didn’t lay out the welcome mat. Four goals by four different ‘Hogs (including Pirri and Morin) put the game well out of reach for the visitors, as they could only rally for one goal from there. LaBarbera made 36 saves in the win, an easy selection as the game’s First Star. Adam Clendening and Pirri followed as the Second and Third Stars.

Tuesday, February 25th @ Iowa Wild

The ‘Hogs played a rare Tuesday night affair in Iowa this week, and things continued to go their way on the road. After trading goals with the home team, Jeremy Morin scored two straight goals, one in the first period and one in the third, and Klas Dahlbeck sealed it with a late third-period goal. LaBarbera, making his fifth straight start, made 19 saves, allowing two goals or less for the fourth straight game. Morin was the game’s First Star.

Standings Update:

The IceHogs’ 10-game point streak has them soundly in the playoffs, currently nine points clear of the San Antonio Rampage, who are in ninth place.

http://theahl.com/stats/statdisplay.php?type=standings&subType=1&leagueId=4&lastActive=&singleSeason=&confId=0

Transactions

• The IceHogs have their all-time leading defensive scorer back on the team, as Brian Connelly returns to the IceHogs via a trade that sent Brad Winchester to the Iowa Wild. Winchester, who was signed to a one-year deal with the Blackhawks in the off-season, had 16 goals and 30 points in 55 games. Connelly has 5 goals and 32 points so far this season, and has racked up 126 points in parts of four seasons with Rockford, from 2009-12. Defenseman Zach Miskovic, who was acquired on January 17th from San Antonio, was also sent to Iowa in the deal.
• Defenseman Bobby Shea was recalled from the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL, and will join the team on their upcoming roadtrip.

Player News

Jeremy Morin is on a 10-game point streak to go along with the IceHogs, and is now second in team scoring, with 41 points in 41 games.

Brandon Pirri is on an eight-game point streak of his own, bringing his totals to 10 goals and 23 points on the year.

Theo Peckham was suspended for two games after a check to the head on Sunday. He will miss Friday’s game against Oklahoma City as a result.

Viktor Svedberg is likely out for the season after undergoing shoulder surgery to repair an injury that he aggravated. Svedberg had already missed 17 games in two stints as a result of the injury.

Week 21 Schedule

Friday, February 28th @ Oklahoma City Barons (23-24-1-6)

Saturday, March 1st @ Oklahoma City Barons (23-24-1-6)

Tuesday, March 4th vs. Rochester Americans (28-18-3-4)

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s edition of the Rockford IceHogs Report. Check back each and every Friday for the new weekly edition. For more Chicago Blackhawks and Rockford IceHogs conversation, “Like” us on Facebook: Blackhawk Up, and follow us on Twitter: @Blackhawk_Up. Check back each day for pre- and post-game reports, as well as unique content about the Blackhawks you won’t find anywhere else!