Class of Midwest Meet as Griffins Visit BMO
March 7, 2015 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Rockford IceHogs News Release
Rockford, Ill. - Coming off of a convincing victory over one division leader, the American Hockey League's Rockford IceHogs have a chance to repeat the feat against a different Western Conference power. The IceHogs (33-18-4-2) can take a step toward snatching control of the Midwest Division from the top-ranked Grand Rapids Griffins (34-17-6-1), when the two squads meet Saturday night at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Face-off is slated for 7 p.m.
Saturday's game is Red-Out Night at the BMO, as the sold-out crowd is encouraged to come dressed in their best red IceHogs gear. The first 1,500 fans will receive a free Red-Out T-shirt courtesy of Toyota. After the game's conclusion fans are encouraged to stick around and participate in the Papa John's Post-Game Shootout, where they can win pizza prizes by taking a shot from center ice.
Those without tickets can catch all of the action live locally on 23.2 Antenna TV, or online at AHLLive.com. Television coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. with the IceHogs Warm Up Pre Game Show. For up-to-the-minute game updates, follow the IceHogs on Twitter (@GoIceHogs).
After taking down the old conference leaders with a comfortable 5-1 win over the Oklahoma City Barons last night, Rockford now faces the newest team atop the West in the Griffins. Grand Rapids leapfrogged the Barons with a point on Friday, coming to the Forest City atop the conference and the Midwest Division, three points ahead of the IceHogs. With 72 points, Rockford sits neck-and-neck with the Utica Comets for third place in the West, and can catch Oklahoma City with a win on Saturday.
The IceHogs enter the division showdown playing exceptionally well, claiming their fourth straight victory with Friday's 5-1 downing of the Barons. Rockford scored a pair in the first and second period to build a 4-1 cushion after 40 minutes, led by a goal and an assist by right wing Spencer Abbott and a three point night (1g-2a) by defenseman Stephen Johns. The two point performance by Abbott came in his IceHogs debut, after coming over from the Toronto Marlies on Feb. 26.
Rockford's offense has come alive over their current streak, scoring 18 goals in their past four games, and 11 in their last two. Fronting the charge has been IceHogs leading scorer Garret Ross, who added a third period marker against Oklahoma City to extend a goal-scoring streak to three games. The second-year forward has six points (3g-3a) in his last three games and 36 points (18g-18a) on the season.
In order to continue their stretch of strong play, Rockford has to overcome the hottest team in the entire AHL since late-January. The Griffins have picked up standings points in 14 straight games and an incredible 18 of their last 19. No team has beaten Grand Rapids in regulation since they suffered a 4-0 loss to the Milwaukee Admirals on Jan. 31. They were one second away from a 10 game winning streak on Friday, before Milwaukee scored late to tie the game and again 15 seconds into overtime to hand the Griffins a 3-2 overtime loss.
Outscoring their opponents 75-36 in their last 19 games and 26-6 in their last six, Grand Rapids have benefitted from strong performers on both sides of the puck to catapult themselves up the standings. Center Mark Zengerle has found the scoresheet in 11 of his last 12 games, picking up four goals and nine assists in the process. On the back end, goaltender Petr Mrazek has been stellar since being reassigned from the Detroit Red Wings on Feb. 17. In seven straight starts, Mrazek has posted a 6-0-1 record with a .962 save percentage and a 1.13 goals against average.
Saturday marks the first of four remaining matchups between the IceHogs and Griffins this season. Rockford owns a 3-1-0-0 record over their division rival so far in 2014-15, but Grand Rapids was victorious in their last trip to the BMO, a 4-0 shutout win on Dec. 6.
Next Home Game: Wednesday, March 18 vs. Adirondack Flames. Game starts at 7 p.m. The IceHogs meet up with the Flames for the first time since October during a WXRX Dollar Day at the BMO. Fans can enjoy one dollar hot dogs, sodas, beers and companion tickets throughout the night. The matchup is the first of three in 10 days between Rockford and Adirondack.
American Hockey League Stories from March 7, 2015
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- Class of Midwest Meet as Griffins Visit BMO - Rockford IceHogs
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