The Rockford IceHogs have parlayed a four-game win streak into the top spot in the Central Division standings. Rockford enters its busiest stretch of the young season with three division games this week.
The action begins at 10:30 a.m. CDT on Wednesday, when the IceHogs (5-2) host second-place Texas at the BMO Center. The Iowa Wild come to Rockford Friday night before the IceHogs head East on I-90 for a Sunday afternoon tussle with the Chicago Wolves.
Chicago has struggled early this season, but handed Rockford a 5-2 loss back on October 21 at the BMO Center. Since then, the Hogs have reeled off four straight wins, including a two-game sweep in Manitoba this past weekend.
How are the IceHogs getting it done of late? There is plenty of credit to go around.
Veterans Off To A Hot Start
Joey Anderson leads Rockford with 11 points (5 G, 6 A). So far, the vets have combined to form two potent scoring lines. Linemates Brett Seney (4 G, 5 A) and David Gust (3 G, 6 A) are following up last year’s offensive production with solid starts to the season. Michal Teply (3 G, 1 A) has looked good as the third wing on that line. Anderson and Anders Bjork (2 G, 4 A) combine for another experienced unit with Mike Hardman (1 G, 4 A).
Putting The “Pow” In Power Play
Rockford has ten goals while on the man advantage through seven games. The IceHogs lead the AHL with a 43.5 success rate. Anderson and Seney each have three power-play goals, while Gust has five helpers when the Hogs are up a skater.
Commesso Impressive In Net
Rookie goalie Drew Commesso has split starts with Jaxson Stauber and has shone brightly in his first four starts this season. Commesso posted an 18-save shutout of Grand Rapids on October 28 and followed that up with a 26-save performance in Rockford’s 4-1 win in Manioba November 5.
Commesso’s 1.76 goals against average and .936 save percentage are both among the league leaders. Stauber gave up seven goals in his opening start in San Jose in Rockford’s opening weekend. Since then, he has rebounded with a pair of wins, including a 33-save effort in the IceHogs 4-3 win over the Moose on November 4.
Roster Moves
Defenseman Issak Phillips was assigned to Rockford by the Chicago Blackhawks on November 4. Phillips (1 G, 2 A in 6 games) skated for the IceHogs in Sunday’s win in Manitoba.
Rookies Colton Dach and Marcel Marcel returned from injuries and got their first game experience on the road trip in Manitoba. Dach took part in both games, notching an assist on Sunday. Marcel skated for the first time for Rockford on Friday night.
