The Rockford IceHogs can stretch out and make themselves at home in February. They’re in the midst of a marathon home stand and will depart for opposing barns just once over the next 32 days. For a team looking to solidify a postseason spot, taking advantage of the home cooking is vital.
The problem for the IceHogs is that they haven’t been a dominant home team this season. Far from it.
Rockford (16-18-3-1, 36 points) is just 7-9-1 in its previous 17 games at the BMO Center. The most recent setback was Saturday’s 5-2 loss to Manitoba, which snapped the Moose’s 11-game losing streak in the process. The Moose return to Rockford on Tuesday as the IceHogs continue a season-long nine-game stretch at home.
Rockford has home dates in nine of eleven games during the month of February, all against Central Division opponents. The lone road jaunt is to Des Moines for games with Iowa on February 19 and 21.
The IceHogs dropped three straight games this past week and have watched many division opponents go on runs this season. The Milwaukee Admirals have won ten straight since losing to Rockford at the BMO Center on December 31 and lead the division by ten points over second place Texas. Can the IceHogs capitalize on a friendly schedule and move up from their current fourth-place spot?
Possible Reinforcements?
The team will have forward Cole Guttman and defenseman Louis Crevier back for at least a few games, which should boost Rockford’s chances. Both players were assigned to the IceHogs on Sunday by the Chicago Blackhawks, who have a ten-day break in their schedule. Guttman and Crevier improve on Rockford’s depth.
Luke Philp was a big part of the IceHogs offense last year, but has been out following surgery to repair an Achilles tendon this past summer. His original timeline for return was February; getting Philp back in action could be equal to obtaining a key scorer through a trade.
Colton Dach has missed the last few weeks since being concussed in Milwaukee on December 30. With seven goals and nine assists in 23 games in his rookie season, Dach’s return to the ice promises to help make the IceHogs a better club.
There is also the potential to fortify Rockford via a trade, either at the AHL or NHL level, over the next few weeks. The Blackhawks made moves last season in an attempt to prepare the IceHogs for a playoff appearance. It’s very possible similar moves are made before this year’s NHL trade deadline.
Kaiser To Concussion Protocol
On Saturday, the IceHogs announced that they had placed defenseman Wyatt Kaiser in the AHL’s concussion protocol. Kaiser was assigned to Rockford by the Blackhawks in early December. He picked up his first pro goal against Iowa on January 20. Kaiser last played in Grand Rapids on January 24.
The Week Ahead
Tuesday’s puck drop with Manitoba is at 7:00 p.m. CDT. On Friday, Rockford plays host to Grand Rapids before welcoming back the Moose Saturday night. Both weekend games start at 7:00 p.m. CDT.
