CRAWFORD WITHSTANDS A RAMPAGE OF SHOTS

Backstop turns away 43 shots in shutout win

San Antonio, Tex.- There must be something about the AT&T Center that appeals to Corey Crawford. For the second time in two weeks the Rockford IceHogs goalie faced 40-plus shots and helped his team over the San Antonio Rampage.

On Friday night Crawford blocked all 43 rampage attempts while picking up his second shutout of the season in a 3-0 blanking of the San Antonio. On Feb. 28 Crawford made 44 saves in San Antonio in a 3-2 Rockford shootout win.

Crawford and Al Montoya kept the zeros on the scoreboard in the opening period on Friday. Both goalies were tested early, but were up to task. The best chance in the opening frame came with a Mike Radja breakaway that Montoya turned away.

Pete MacArthur would solve Montoya in the second period. The rookie winger picked up a Tim Brent pass on the weak side end flipped his seventh goal of the season in at 5:13. Evan Brophey also helped on the goal.

Rockford got some insurance in the third period with a short handed goal. Winger Adam Hobson nearly shoved a one-handed shot over Montoya, but the puck hit the post. Brent followed the play and punched in his 20th goal of the season at 12:25. The shortie for Brent was his fourth of the season, matching an IceHogs all-time franchise record.

Adam Pineault sealed it for Rockford when he buried an empty-net goal at 18:18, his eighth of the season. Rob Klinkhammer assisted the marker.

Rockford was outshot 43-20 in the game and didn’t receive any power-play opportunities. The Hogs held the Rampage to 0-3 on the advantage.

Next Home Game: Saturday, March 21 vs. Manitoba Moose. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The Rockford IceHogs welcome the first-place Moose into the Forest City for the final of two visits in 2008-09. The first 2,000 fans can pick up a replica Goalie Mask Bank courtesy of MembersAlliance Credit Union.