The Hogs' power-play performance has been hurting recently
Rockford, Ill.- After going 1-for-14 on the advantage in the last three games, the Rockford IceHogs beat the Toronto Marlies 3-1 at the Rockford MetroCentre thanks in part to two power-play goals from Petri Kontiola. Martin St. Pierre assisted on all three IceHogs goals in the winning effort.
His first came at 12:54 in the second frame with a nearly perfect set up from St. Pierre and a secondary assist from Derek Nesbitt. The center followed with a 4-on-3 goal at 16:44 thanks to another centering feed St. Pierre and Troy Brouwer.
Nesbitt added an even-strength marker at 10:30 in the third with assists from St. Pierre and Jim Fahey. This game is the winger's second multi-point game since joining the club last month.
The Marlies only goal was scored on the power play by Bates Bataglia off of a centering pass from Kris Newbury at 6:26 in the second.
Corey Crawford returned to form, stopping 32 shots. Marlies netminder Scott Clemmensen blocked 35 in a game where the IceHogs out-shoot their opponent after getting outshot 15-5 in the first period.
The Hogs had plenty of power-play chances. They finished the game 2-for-8 on the advantage after going 0-for-5 against the Lake Erie Monsters on Saturday in their first shutout of the season and 1-for-14 on the power play in the last three games. The Marlies were 1-for-4.
Next Game: Saturday, Jan. 12 at Milwaukee Admirals. Game time is 7:30 p.m. Rockford makes its first ever trip to Milwaukee to take on the Admirals in a West Division match up. The Hogs and Ads have mixed it up twice already and Saturday's tilt is the third of 10 on the season and first of five at the Bradley Center. If you can't make it to the game tonight, turn into WNTA 1330AM or
listen live on-line. You can also watch the game on the Web through the B2 Networks for only $6 by
clicking here.
Next Home Game: Wednesday, Jan. 16 vs. Manchester Monarchs. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. Rockford's first ever Eastern Conference home opponent is the Monarchs at they make their first and only visit of the season to Rockford. Wednesday's game is presented by Crown Royal.