Midwest Lead up for Grabs in Game Two with Admirals
February 7, 2015 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Rockford IceHogs News Release
Rockford, Ill. - For the first time in over two months, the American Hockey League's Rockford IceHogs (26-15-4-2) have some company at the top of the Midwest Division standings. After falling in game one of a home-and-home set, the IceHogs will look to regain their lead over the Milwaukee Admirals (26-15-4-2) in Saturday's rematch at the BMO Harris Bank Center, set for 7 p.m.
Aside from the divisional showdown, Rockford is recognizing their all-time leading goal scorer on Jeremy Morin Bobblehead Night. The first 2,500 fans in what is expected to be the third-consecutive sellout crowd at the BMO will receive a bobblehead of the former IceHog, courtesy of Dental Dimensions.
Those without tickets can still follow the action by tuning into 23.2 Antenna TV or logging on to AHLLive.com. Saturday's television coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. with the IceHogs Warm Up pre-game show. For instant updates throughout the night, follow the IceHogs on Twitter (@goicehogs).
Rockford and Milwaukee sit tied atop Midwest Division with 58 points, after the Admirals took game one of the weekend doubleheader Friday night at the BMO Harris Bradley Center by a 4-1 score. The loss broke a string of 82-straight days in control of the division for the IceHogs. Luckily for Rockford, they immediately have the chance to regain their edge, as Friday night was first of three straight games on the schedule versus Milwaukee.
But to do so they will have to solve an Admirals team that won its third straight game over the IceHogs last night in convincing fashion. Rockford scored the only goal in the first period, but was stifled from there on as the Admirals scored twice in each of the final two frames to take the victory. 18-year-old rookie forward Kevin Fiala tallied the first two goals of his AHL career to lead the home team, and goaltender Marek Mazanec picked up his sixth win in his last six starts, making 23 saves.
Cody Bass provided the only offense for Rockford after converting a breakaway found moments after leaving the penalty box for his first goal of the season. The IceHogs found themselves shorthanded a total of six times on Friday, which hindered their ability to build momentum, and gave the Admirals a third-period insurance goal when Fiala scored with the extra man.
The loss drops Rockford to 3-5-1-0 this season against their bordering rival heading into Saturday's contest at the BMO, where they are just 1-2-1-0. Milwaukee won the previous meeting in the Forest City by winning a goaltenders' duel 1-0 in overtime - a game where Michael Leighton and Mazanec combined to stop 61 of 62 shots thrown their way.
Next Home Game: Saturday, Feb. 14, vs. Oklahoma City Barons: Game begins at 7 p.m. Rockford hosts the Barons for the first time this season in a Valentine's Day matchup at the BMO. The first 1,500 fans through the gates will also receive a limited edition IceHogs poster.
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