The Rockford IceHogs and Laval Rocket made history on Monday afternoon, meeting for the first time in history. In the historical matchup, Laval came away 3–1 winners, leaving Rockford still looking for their first win of the 2019–20 season. It it the first time in AHL franchise history that the IceHogs have started a season 0–3–0.
IceHogs allow three unanswered goals against Laval in first-ever meeting
The IceHogs were looking to get some momentum going early on against Laval, as they had only played two games so far this season a week apart. Just like the opening frame of their game on Saturday night, the IceHogs got on the board first thanks to a goal off the rush from defenseman Philip Holm. Holm’s first goal of the year with Rockford, assisted by fellow Swedish countrymen Jacob Nilsson and Anton Wedin, gave the IceHogs the first lead of the game for the third time in three games so far this season.
Straight cash, Holmie 💸💸 pic.twitter.com/MQLNu2bi68
— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) October 14, 2019
While they enjoyed the lead on the scoreboard, the IceHogs were doubled up on shots on goal in the opening period 14–7 by the Rocket and the trend would bleed into the second period as well. Giving up 14 shots in the first period and 16 in the second period, the IceHogs found themselves on the backs of their heels in the middle frame as Laval tallied a pair of goals coming from Alex Belzile and Lukas Vejdemo to give the Canadiens’ affiliate the 2–1 lead after two periods of action.
IceHogs goaltender Collin Delia faced 28 shots in his first start of the year on Saturday night and surpassed that shots faced total through 40 minutes in his second start of the year.
The third period started off looking like the IceHogs would build some momentum, earning their second power play of the game in the early going, but Laval would get a hooking call on Adam Boqvist while shorthanded and the IceHogs man advantage would be negated. Luckily for Rockford, Laval would take a second penalty in the period, but the IceHogs would again come up empty.
Collin Delia prepares for a shot. (Photograph courtesy of the Rockford IceHogs)
Rockford required some late-game magic to avoid the team’s first ever 0–3–0 start in the AHL franchise history, but Charles Hudon would blast home his second goal of the season to give Laval a 3–1 lead with just under five minutes to play in regulation to give the Rocket their first win of the 2019–20 season. Delia would make 40 saves on 43 shots faced against Laval; he has 64 saves on 71 shots faced through two starts this season.
It was a second professional game for Blackhawks 2019 third overall pick Kirby Dach, as he suited up for his second game of a conditioning stint with the IceHogs. After admittedly getting his nerves out in his first game, Dach looked more comfortable and saw action with Rockford’s first line with Kris Versteeg and Anton Wedin. He also saw considerable time while on the power play. Dach’s abilities offensively have been impressive, but what has been even more impressive is his commitment to working hard in his defensive zone and his ability to absorb and initiate contact.
Kirby Dach caries the puck during Monday’s game against the Laval Rocket. (Photograph courtesy of the Rockford IceHogs)
After coming off of a concussion protocol stint, there was some concerns around Dach and his health would be like once he stepped back on the ice, but so far those concerns have not mattered. Dach looks like a pro already at the AHL; whether that will translate to the NHL level still remains to be seen, but the signs are promising.
What’s next?
The Rockford IceHogs are off until Friday, when they take on the Chicago Wolves at the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford. Puck drop for Friday night’s game is set for 7 p.m. CDT and is the first of 12 meetings between the Illinois Lottery Cup rivals. Rockford held a 6–5–1 record against the Wolves last season. Rockford will turn around on face the Wolves again on Saturday night, this time at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. Puck drop on Saturday night is set for 7 p.m. CDT as well.