BIG THIRD PERIOD PUSHES ROCKFORD OVER AMERKS

IceHogs tally four time in the third in 5-1 win

Rockford, Ill.- A four-goal third period powered the Rockford IceHogs to a 5-1 win over the Rochester Americans on Friday night at the Rockford MetroCentre. The win for Rockford extended the club’s season-high unbeaten streak to eight games (6-0-0-2) and pulled the IceHogs back into a first place tie in the AHL’s West Division.

Tied 1-1 entering the third period, Rockford winger Petri Kontiola flipped in his sixth goal of the season past Adam Dennis just 41-seconds into the frame. Rockford extended its lead to 3-1 at 10:41 after Kris Versteeg slipped his fifth goal of the season past Dennis. The goal extended Versteeg’s point streak to a team season-high eight games.

A four-on-four goal from defenseman Cam Barker at 12:03 extended Rockford’s advantage to 4-1. Barker picked up a face-off win from center Colin Fraser and blasted his eighth goal of the season in. Kontiola capped the Hogs flurry with his second lamp lighter of the period at 15:55 on the power play, set up by Troy Brouwer and Martin St. Pierre.

Rochester pulled out to a 1-0 lead in the first period with a goal from winger Clark MacArthur on a 5-on-3 power play. Brouwer then tied it in the second stanza with a penalty shot. Brouwer deeked out Dennis and flipped in his team lead 12th goal of the season.

Rockford goalie Corey Crawford was solid in net, making 19 saves.

Next Home Game: Saturday, Dec. 22 vs. Milwaukee Admirals. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. Rockford’s first ever meeting with the Admirals. The first 1,000 fans ot the game will recieve an IceHogs Santa Hat courtesy of the Rockford Park District.