Since the AHL all-star break, the Rockford IceHogs have experienced the highs and lows of professional hockey. Coming out of the break, Rockford lost three straight games. They followed this losing streak with an impressive four-game winning streak, including two wins against a division rival in the Iowa Wild.
Following this hot streak, Rockford went cold, losing three straight. During this losing streak, top prospect Artyom Levshunov received a one-game suspension after a cross-checking penalty on Chicago Wolves defenseman Domenick Fensore on Feb. 23. Levshunov served his suspension during the Feb. 28 game against the Tucson Roadrunners, the final game of Rockford’s losing streak.
The roller coaster ended on a high note, with Rockford rallying off three straight wins, two against division rivals in the Texas Stars and Wild.
Playoff picture
Kevin Korchinski and Joey Anderson celebrate a goal during Rockford’s 4–3 win over the Springfield Thunderbirds. (Photo courtesy of Jenna Spanola / Rockford IceHogs)
With a 7–6–0 record since the break, including three wins against the Wild, the Hogs have created a significant gap between them and sixth-place Iowa. Currently, with 54 points after 55 games, Rockford holds a 10-point lead over Iowa for the final playoff spot in the Central Division.
If Rockford wishes to supplant the Wolves for fourth place, the recent momentum will have to continue. Chicago holds a five-point advantage over Rockford with a game in hand. With Chicago’s pedestrian 4–5–1 record over their last 10 games, it is not an impossible task. IceHogs players understand the importance of playing in front of a home crowd. Following a 4–0 win over Iowa on March 7, Hogs forward Gerald Mayhew spoke glowingly about the home fans.
“When you have a crowd like that every night, it’s fun to play … since I’ve been here, the crowds have been great, it’s a fun barn to play in,” Mayhew said.
Although not guaranteed, playoff hockey appears to be in the picture for the IceHogs. The focus for Rockford for the final month of the season will be chasing down Chicago for fourth place in the Central. A three-game series in an arena where the Hogs have a winning record sets up Rockford for a deep playoff run.
Impressive performances
Since the all-star break, Rockford has seen contributions from all over the lineup. These three skaters have shined in that time.
Zach Sanford
Teammates swarm Zach Sanford following his goal against the Chicago Wolves on Feb. 14. (Photo courtesy of Jenna Spanola / Rockford IceHogs)
With the strong play of forwards Brett Seney, Cole Guttman and Mayhew, Zach Sanford impresses the most. In 13 games following the break, Sanford has gone on a rampage, scoring eight goals and 10 assists, which has propelled the current winning stretch.
Sanford’s scoring has stabilized a top six that has seen massive changes during the season. Call-ups of forwards Frank Nazar, Landon Slaggert and Colton Dach required others to step up, and Sanford has answered the call.
Artyom Levshunov
Artyom Levshunov celebrates his goal against the Iowa Wild on Feb. 21. (Photo courtesy of Kristin Ostrowski / Rockford IceHogs)
With all eyes on the top prospect, Levshunov has thrived since the break. During the break, Levshunov was called up to the Chicago Blackhawks, getting valuable practice time with the club. The Blackhawks must have unlocked another level for Levshunov, because he has returned to Rockford on a tear. In 12 games since the call-up, Levshunov has scored two goals to go with seven assists. Along with this stat line, Levshunov has shown incredible speed in the ice, has led the rush from the defensive zone and has effectively killed penalties.
The Blackhawks must have been impressed with his play, because on Mar. 9, Chicago recalled Levshunov from Rockford and he made his NHL debut the following night against the Colorado Avalanche, looking strong in nearly 21 minutes of ice time.
Drew Commesso
Drew Commesso warming up before his shutout victory over the Iowa Wild on Mar. 7. (Photo courtesy of Nathan Vestal / Rockford IceHogs)
Drew Commesso has backstopped the IceHogs during their current three-game win streak. In those three games, Commesso has a .953 save percentage and a 1.33 goals against average, highlighted by a 4–0 shutout victory against Iowa.
With this impressive stretch, Commesso has raised his season save percentage of .905. Following his performance against the Wild, Commesso talked about his current hot streak.
“It’s felt good … I’m just trying to play my game, keep having good habits, just doing everything I can, take it period by period … go one period at a time and then regroup from there … keep a stable balance … keep the same confidence going forward,” Commesso said.
Transactions
Defenseman Nolan Allan returns to Rockford, looking to aid a playoff push. (Photo courtesy of Kristin Ostrowski / Rockford IceHogs)
With the NHL trade deadline on March 7, and the AHL roster deadline on March 14, Rockford received some bolstering, from both inside and outside the organization.
On Feb. 28, the Blackhawks loaned defenseman Nolan Allan to Rockford. After spending the season with the Blackhawks, Allan came in and immediately paired with Levshunov on the first pairing. In four games since joining the club, Allan has recorded a goal and an assist.
One day before the NHL trade deadline, forward Andreas Athanasiou was reassigned to Rockford. Spending most of his season with Rockford before spending eight games with the Blackhawks, Athanasiou has recorded two assists in two games since his return.
On March 7, multiple moves were made to aid Rockford in their playoff chase. First, Dach and defenseman Ethan Del Mastro were reassigned to Rockford. They were later recalled back to Chicago on the same day. This move allows Dach and Del Mastro to be playoff eligible for Rockford.
On the same day, the Blackhawks made a trade with the Utah Hockey Club, sending a 2026 fifth-round pick to Utah for the contract of Shea Weber, forward Aku Raty and defenseman Victor Soderstrom.
Currently in Sweden, Soderstrom is a former 11th overall pick of the Arizona Coyotes in the 2019 NHL Draft. Struggling early in his career at the AHL level, Soderstrom signed a contract with Brynas IL of the SHL this season. At only 24 years old, Soderstrom could look to revive his North American hockey career after an impressive season in Sweden. It is unlikely Soderstrom will join Rockford this season since he is not currently under contract, but he could make his IceHogs debut next season.
The immediate help comes from Raty. Rockford fans may know him in a negative light. On Mar. 1, while with the Roadrunners, Raty injured IceHogs defenseman Cavan Fitzgerald on an interference penalty. Fitzgerald, a team favorite and defensive partner of Levshunov, has been out since this injury.
Despite the possible bad blood, Raty is a fine addition to Rockford’s forward core. At 23 years old, the 2019 fifth-round pick has put up 19 points in 50 AHL goals this season with Tucson.
Final thoughts
The playoff run is on everyone’s mind, and it is an expectation for the team to make the playoffs. Interim Head Coach Mark Eaton expressed this after Friday’s game against Iowa.
“The calendar has turned to March … we’re making our playoff push … from here on out, every game, we’re going to expect our best,” Eaton said.
Playoff experience for this young roster is valuable beyond this season. When young players like Levshunov, Dach, Del Mastro, Allan, Commesso and Kevin Korchinski receive playoff experience early in their professional careers, that can translate to later success when the Blackhawks need them ready for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in future seasons.
This stretch run will define Rockford’s season. Although comfortably in a playoff spot, the regular season is far from over. Like Eaton said, every game for the rest of the season will require their best. The team is bolstered, the team is healthy and the team is ready. It is time for Rockford’s best hockey to be played.
Rockford’s very best will continue this Friday in Rockford against the Hartford Wolf Pack at 7 p.m. CDT.