Overtime loss forces game six in Rockford
Published on April 23, 2005 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Rockford IceHogs News Release
Kalamazoo, Mich.- For the second straight game, the Rockford IceHogs couldn't end the Kalamazoo Wings season, this time falling 2-1 in overtime at Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Another goaltending battle featuring Hogs tender Michel Robinson, turning away 40 Wings shots, and K-zoo goalie Joel Martin stopping 30 Rockford attempts.
In overtime, the IceHogs had three breakaway opportunities to win the game, but two skaters (Eric Labelle and Brandon Segal) were brought down with no call, and Bruce Watson was robbed by Martin with a sensational save. Wings center Mike Manley didn't waste his opportunity however. Manley skated in alone on Robinson at 18:45 and snuck by the game-winner to swing the series back to Rockford.
The only other goals in the contest were scored in the first period. Kalamazoo was first to score when defenseman Shaun Fisher fired one past Robinson from the point at 13:18. Later in the frame, Rockford center J.C. Ruid beat Martin on the power play at 18:42 to tie the contest.
The teams went back-and-forth from there, eventually sending the game to the first overtime of the series. Rockford now leads the best-of-seven series three-games-to-two, with Game Six looming Saturday night at the MetroCentre.
Rockford finished the night 1-for-4 on the power play, while the Wings were just 0-for-2. Kalamazoo's goal in the first period, was their first in the opening period in the series.
Next Home Game: Saturday, April 23 vs. Kalamazoo Wings. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Game Six at the Rockford MetroCentre in the best-of-seven series. The first 1,000 fans to the game will receive a Thunder Stick from Thompson's Transmissions.
International Hockey League 2 Stories from April 23, 2005
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- Overtime loss forces game six in Rockford - Rockford IceHogs
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