The Rockford IceHogs, the Chicago Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate, will face the Manitoba Moose in the second round of the Calder Cup Playoffs
After a quick series with the Chicago Wolves, the Rockford IceHogs — the Chicago Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate — finally know who they will be playing in the second round of the Calder Cup Playoffs. Defeating the Grand Rapids Griffins 5-1 Monday night, the Manitoba Moose have advanced to the second round and will play Rockford starting this Friday in Manitoba.
Central Division Finals are set! The #IceHogs take on the @ManitobaMoose in a best-of-seven series beginning THIS Friday (5/4) at Bell MTS Place!
— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) May 1, 2018
Series will be a 2-3-2 format with home games on Wed. (5/9), Fri. (5/11) and Sat. (5/12)
Info | https://t.co/ZEZJcrQDUT pic.twitter.com/95p4KojTGO
The IceHogs are 2-2 against the Moose this season, having lost a pair of games at home in the beginning of the season and winning a pair on the road. When the IceHogs beat Manitoba on the road in late March, they were a much different team than earlier in the season. Rockford won nine of its final 13 games and has since come together to become much more consistent.
Blackhawks prospect Henri Jokiharju won't be included on Finland's World Championship team. He played well in the tournaments leading up to it, but Finland is going with more experienced defensemen.
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) April 30, 2018
In Blackhawks prospects news, The Athletic’s Scott Powers reported that Blackhawks’ 2017 first-round pick, Henri Jokiharju, will not represent Finland in the World Championship. Some say after a great season with the Portland Winterhawks that Jokiharju could be ready for the NHL, but that’s to be determined.
??NEW PODCAST?? https://t.co/2Kf8x5Z0M0
— Blackhawks Talk (@NBCSBlackhawks) April 30, 2018
And finally, a new Blackhawks Talk podcast with Pat Boyle and Jamal Mayers came out Monday that discuses the NHL playoffs, the NHL draft and most interestingly Dustin Byfuglien.
The former Blackhawk Byfuglien has been a very impactful player in the playoffs for the Winnipeg Jets this season, and the guys debate whether he was one player that got away from the ‘Hawks. Make sure you take some time to listen to the podcast, they always have great content.
Dustin Byfuglien is a monster. Handling a Predator with each arm. pic.twitter.com/wowwbFihvX
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) April 30, 2018
Have a great Tuesday!
-Blackhawk Up
Next: History Proves Hawks Will Benefit From 8th Overall Pick
Morning links
- Nick Schmaltz takes the next step – The Athletic
- Blackhawk rumor quick hits – The-Rink
- Blackhawks roster evolution – The Hockey Writers
- Another Schmaltz commits to North Dakota – Inforum.com
- The subtle secret to Sidney Crosby’s greatness – Chicago Tribune