CRAWFORD STYMIES GRAND RAPIDS WITH 42 SAVES

Rockford ends the week with a 3-1 win

Rockford, Ill.- After giving up a total of 13 goals in the last two nights, the Rockford IceHogs needed a big game from their defense and that's just what they got Sunday at the Rockford MetroCentre. Corey Crawford stopped 42 of 43 shots en route to a 3-1 win over the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Grand Rapids' Jonathan Ericsson started the scoring with a power play goal at 13:16 in the first period. Mark Cullen and Brad Ference were credited with the assists. But the Hogs were strong on the penalty kill for the rest of the night, going 10-for-11 to improve to 11-6-2-1.

Still in the first period, Jack Skille tied the game at one with an even-strength goal at 16:57 rifling a shot over Jimmy Howard’s shoulder. Dave Bolland and Prestin Ryan had the assists.

Bolland put the Hogs on top for good with help from Danny Richmond and Ryan at 12:35 in the second frame. The Hogs centermen shot a blind back-handed shot past Howard for his fifth goal of the season. Bolland has continued to have a strong showing after coming down from the Blackhawks last week. In three games, he has 1g-3a-4p.

Troy Brouwer added some insurance at 8:08 off of a hot feed from Martin St. Pierre and Evan Brophey on a power play to make the score 3-1. Brouwer is another Hog who has been playing well of recent. Over the three-game weekend, the winger has had three goals. His was the only power-play goal of the game for the Hogs, who finished 1-for-8 on the advantage.

Next Home Game: Wednesday, Nov. 28 vs. Houston Aeros. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs return home to take on the Aeros for a second time this season and first at the Rockford MetroCentre. Wednesday is Crown Royal Night with the IceHogs at the MetroCentre.