IceHogs down Stars

Published on January 18, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Iowa Chops News Release


The division's top team, Rockford, showed why they are the top team on Friday night. The IceHogs scored on two of their first four shots to take a 2-0 lead, and never looked back. They would add two more before the Stars ever got on the board. And despite an inspired third period and Richard Clune's first ever professional goal, it would be a forgettable night for Iowa as they were dealt a 4-2 loss, and dropped their 3rd straight.

Despite outshooting the Ice Hogs 18-7 in the opening period the Stars were unable to take the early advantage. Less than 60 seconds into the game Rockford, the West Division leader with 60 points entering the night, jumped on top 1-0. Derek Nesbitt scored his sixth of the season, the lone assist on the opening marker went to Martin St. Pierre. St. Pierre got a goal of his own 1:50 later. The goal was his 15th, the 2nd most of any player on Rockford's active roster.

Rockford started the second period much the same way they started the first, with an early goal. Rockford extended the lead to 3-0 on a fluttering shot from the point that deflected off of a Stars player. The goal was credited to Gavin Morgan, his second of the season. The Stars had a great chance to close the gap as Chris Conner had a breakaway opportunity. Corey Crawford, the Ice Hogs goalie, not only made the initial save on Conner's attempt, but he also stopped the follow-up attempt by Tommy Wandell. Midway through the second period the Ice Hogs struck again as Troy Brouwer scored his 20th of the season. St. Pierre picked up one of the helpers, his 2nd assist of the night, and his 3rd point of the game. Marius Holtet finally put the Stars on the board as he scored 14 minutes into the 2nd period. Tommy Wandell and Vojtech Polak got the assists on Holtet's 7th of the year.

Richard Clune scored his first professional goal 3:12 into the third period to pull the Stars to within 2 at 4-2. Clune's first goal was an impressive one as he looked off the defender and showed a pass, then turned towards goal and snapped a shot upper-ninety over Crawfords glove-side. Clune's goal, followed by a Brett Westgarth fight seemed to ignite the Stars who began to take the play to Rockford. The Stars fired shot after shot at Crawford, but to no avail. At the other end of the ice, the Stars went nearly 10 minutes without allowing a shot in the third period, but they would not be able to get any closer as they fell to Rockford 4-2.

These two teams will go at it again tomorrow night at Wells Fargo Arena. Opening face-off will be 7:07 PM. After Saturday's game the Stars will have two more home games as they finish up their longest home stand of the season. They will play Monday against the Rochester Americans, and then again on Friday against Peoria.

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American Hockey League Stories from January 18, 2008


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