Chicago Blackhawks farm system: Weekend Preview

On October 13th, which feels like yesterday, the IceHogs took the ice for the first time of the season. Now, seven months later, we have reached the final weekend of the regular season. It feels evident now at this point, that the growth of every player will be on full display during the playoffs. The final three, in three, will end one of the greatest seasons of Icehogs hockey we have witnessed. Rockford will need to win at least two (if Grand Rapids wins none), and all three (if Grand Rapids wins one), to earn a home-ice advantage, and one extra game at the BMO.

The final weekend is scheduled as follows: Tonight, the IceHogs will play their final regular season game in Rockford against the Chicago Wolves at 7 PM CDT. Following the game, a trip up to Wisconsin to face off against the Milwaukee Admirals at 6 PM CDT. Sunday, the IceHogs will play the final regular season game, against the Wolves, this time in Chicago at 3 PM CDT

Head Coach Luke Richardson announced yesterday Per Ben Pope that Lukas Reichel will indeed play for the IceHogs in the playoffs, instead of going to the World Championships. Cole Guttman, one of Rockford's top offense men is still out for one to two more weeks. Reichel is expected to be one of Chicago's long-time players as the rebuild continues to move. Although his season has gone worse than expected, last night Reichel scored one of the best goals we've seen by a Blackhawk this season. His confidence should be at an all-time high for the playoffs. Reichel had 5 G, 11 A, for 15 PTS in 64 GP. For Rockford, he has 1 G, 6 A, for 7 PTS in 9 GP this season. 

In goal, tonight and Sunday night are the 21-year-old Drew Commesso. Posting a .925 SV% in his last five games, Commesso has had a consistent season for the IceHogs. We have talked plenty about how important it is to have two reliable goaltenders going into the playoffs. That you can rotate if need be, without putting the spot in jeopardy. Jaxson Stauber will be in goal tomorrow night. Stauber has now won thirteen straight games, with a .927 SV% in that span.