Chops playoff chances get big jolt thanks to 5-4 win in Rockford
March 25, 2009 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Iowa Chops News Release
Fueled by another strong start and two goals from veteran forward Eric Boguniecki, the Iowa Chops closed to within two points of the fourth and final playoff spot with a 5-4 win in Rockford against the IceHogs on Wednesday night. The Chops win also meant that Iowa won the 10-game season series against Rockford 6 games to 4.
The Chops started out the 1st period on fire and with a fury. Matt Beleskey got the scoring going as he put home a backdoor give-and-go pass from linemates Petri Kontiola and TJ Trevelyan to put the Chops up 1-0. After an IceHogs goal from Pete MacArthurm which tied the game at 1-1, the Chops went up 2-1 as Petteri Wirtanen won a face-off back to defenseman John de Gray, who fired home a slapshot past 'Hogs goalie Antii Niemi for another Chops lead with a second helper to Ajay Baines. The Chops increased the lead late in the period to 3-1 as Eric Boguniecki was in the right place at the right time, as a shot from the point from Brennan Evans redirected to Boguniecki, who smashed home the loose puck. Brian Salcido also assisted.
The second period was full of action, pitting the Chops and IceHogs head-to-head for goals. The Chops came into the period up 3-1, but the Hogs pulled close to tie early in the period with two goals just three minutes into the period from Jack Skille and Pascal Pelletier, but a powerplay goal by Eric Boguniecki fueled the Chops to a 4-3 lead minutes later. Boguniecki tipped home a Matt Beleskey shot from the high slot past Corey Crawford, who had taken over for Niemi to start the period. Adrian Veideman also assisted. Ryan Dingle sealed the deal with the prettiest goal of the night, as he dangled two 'Hogs defensemen and slid a backhander past Crawford with :90 seconds left in the period. Ajay Baines pick up the lone assist.
The third period was a heavy defensive effort, with both teams playing safe with the puck. Luckily, the Chops were able to hold the Hogs back for most of the period helped by some good saves from goaltender David LeNeveu. Despite a last-minute goal by Adam Pineault, leaving the Chops up by one with less than three seconds remaining. The Chops held the IceHogs back, and took away the desperately needed win.
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