The Rockford IceHogs are continuing their red-hot spring entering the season’s final weeks. Behind a suddenly deep and talented roster, Rockford has won sixteen of its last nineteen games dating back to February 21. The IceHogs look to keep that momentum going this weekend as they tangle with the two teams ahead of them in the Central Division.
Rockford (35-24-5-2) needs just a single win, or a regulation loss by Texas, to lock up third place and a spot in the division semifinal. The IceHogs are just three points behind Grand Rapids, who they visit on Friday night before hosting Milwaukee Saturday and Sunday.
This is a tough three-game weekend. However, Rockford is a tough team to beat these days.
The IceHogs rallied with two goals in the final two minutes to pick up a win in Iowa Wednesday night. It was their sixth victory in Rockford’s last seven contests. That lone defeat was a 3-0 decision to Grand Rapids on April 5. The IceHogs responded with a 3-1 win over the Griffins at the BMO Center the following evening.
Friday night is likely going to be a preview of the division semifinal between the IceHogs and Grand Rapids. The Griffins have a 6-5 edge over Rockford in the season series. Five of these games have been decided by a single goal.
Both teams will be missing a key player entering Friday. Cole Guttman (16 G, 24 A) is expected to miss the next three to four weeks with an upper body injury after being slashed on April 6 by Grand Rapids forward Taro Hirose. As a result of the play, Hirose was suspended by the league for two games and is sitting out the weekend.
Rockford has fared well against the Central Division leaders of late, having won the last three meetings between the teams. Back on April 2, the IceHogs bested the Admirals 2-1 in a shootout.
In three games against his former club, Rem Pitlick has three goals and three helpers. David Gust also has three goals against Milwaukee this season. Rockford’s leading scorer, Brett Seney (22 G, 37 A) has a pair of goals and nine assists against the Admirals.
Streaking Stauber
Jaxson Stauber (16-7-3-1, 2.90 GAA, .900 save percentage) is on a historic streak in the IceHogs net heading into what should be his start in Grand Rapids Friday night. Stauber set an all-time Rockford IceHogs record with his eleventh consecutive win on April 6, stopping 19 of 20 Griffins shots in a 3-1 IceHogs victory.
Stauber also holds a twelve-game unbeaten streak; his last loss came on January 26 in Milwaukee. During his win streak, Stauber is sporting a 2.08 goals against average and a .921 save percentage.
Hot Hogs
Seney’s game-winner in Iowa in the final minute Tuesday night was his fifth of the season. He’s the team leader in that category, along with goals, assists, and points. His 59 points equals his career best, set in 2021-22 with Toronto. Seney is currently tied for seventh among AHL scorers.
Since coming down to Rockford in mid-February, Pitlick has been a huge part of the IceHogs surge. In 22 games with Rockford, Pitlick has eleven goals and sixteen assists.
Mike Hardman is continuing to provide scoring punch from around the net. As a result, he has put together his best season as a pro. Hardman has 21 goals and fourteen helpers this season, both career highs.
IceHogs Roster Moves
On Sunday, the Chicago Blackhawks assigned defenseman Wyatt Kaiser to Rockford. Kaiser has three goals and 16 assists in 32 games with the IceHogs this season and is a welcome addition heading into the postseason.
On Wednesday, Rockford picked up a pair of Blackhawks prospects. Chicago assigned forward Paul Ludwinski to the team. The IceHogs then signed forward Nick Lardis to an amateur try out.
Weekend Action
Puck drop in Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids is at 7:00 p.m. EDT. The IceHogs then take on the Admirals on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. CDT before Sunday’s matinee at 4:00 p.m. CDT.
