On Friday night, the Rockford IceHogs played the first of back-to-back game against the Texas Stars in Cedar Park, Texas. Coming into the contest, Rockford has amassed a 10-1-2 record over their last 13 games dating back to the beginning of March. They would improve upon that by picking up a 3-2 win in a shootout over the Stars in dramatic fashion.
With the win, Rockford has notched wins in 14 of their last 19 games, they have at least one point in 16 of their last 19 games, have a six-game win streak going, and goaltender Collin Delia has a 9-0-2 record over his last 11 starts with a four-game win streak of his own.
Friday: Rockford IceHogs def. Texas Stars, 3-2 (SO)
With Delia in net, the IceHogs opened the game against the Stars with a quick pace, though scoring chances were low for both sides early on. It would take until just over three minutes remained in the opening period for the scoreless tie to be broken by the Stars. A perfect screen in front of Delia allowed for Brett Regner‘s shot to find the back of the net for his ninth goal of the season, giving the Stars the 1-0 lead.
That lead would last into the second period where the IceHogs started to mount more pressure, leading up to the game-tying goal coming from Tyler Sikura just about nine minutes into the middle frame. Sikura’s 20th goal of the season coming on the powerplay was enough to level the game through two periods.
HIGHLIGHTS: IceHogs def. Stars, 3-2 (SO)
In the third period, the IceHogs would get a second powerplay opportunity early and would capitalize yet again. Chris DiDomenico was able to use traffic in front of Landon Bow and bury his 13th goal of the season, seventh with Rockford since being acquired via trade. With his powerplay tally, DiDomenico extended his point-streak to ten games with 14 points (5G, 9 A) over that span. He has 21 points (7G, 14A) in 18 games since joining the IceHogs this season. Rockford’s lead would stay at 2-1 into the dying moments of regulation, but with their net empty, the Stars were able to find an equalizing goal from Gavin Bayreuther with just over a minute to play.
With no winner in the overtime period, the game would head to a shootout. After Travis Morin gave the Stars the advantage after three shooters, Cody Franson was able to find the back of the net and force a sudden death shootout situation. DiDomenico and Justin Dowling would both fail to score in the fourth round, and after Denis Gurianov wasn’t able to capitalize on his shot in the fifth round, the IceHogs turned to defenseman Viktor Svedberg. Svedberg went with a powerful slap-shot from just a few feet from Bow and was able to score the shootout winner and give the IceHogs a big two points in the standings, yet again.
Central Division Playoff Race
Also in action on Friday night, the Manitoba Moose defeated the Bakersfield Condors, the Iowa Wild defeated the Chicago Wolves, and the Tucson Road Runners defeated the Grand Rapids Griffins, all in regulation. With those results, paired with the IceHogs win over the Stars, here are the Central Division standings heading into Saturday (games remaining):
- Manitoba Moose – 40-24-8, 88 pts (4)
- Chicago Wolves – 38-22-11, 87 pts (5)
- Grand Rapids Griffins – 39-25-8, 86 pts (4)
- Rockford IceHogs – 39-25-8, 86 pts (4)
- Milwaukee Admirals – 37-29-5, 79 pts (5)
- Iowa Wild – 31-26-15, 77 pts (4)
- Cleveland Monsters – 24-38-10, 58 pts (4)
Heading into the final week of the season, first place and fourth place in the Division is separated by just two points and home-ice advantage is up for grabs. While the Wild and Admirals are still alive in the Calder Cup Playoff race, it looks as just a matter of time before the top four teams are all clinched into the playoffs.
What’s Next?
The IceHogs and Stars go back at it again on Saturday night in Cedar Park. Puck drop for Saturday’s game is set for 7 pm Central time. After that, Rockford head to Iowa to take on the Wild on Tuesday night. Puck drop for Tuesday’s contest is scheduled for 7 pm Central time at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.