Deep Thoughts with Derek King – Postgame Quotes: 2/9/21 at Chicago

This season, after every Rockford IceHogs road game, Head Coach Derek King and broadcast Joseph Zakrzewski will break down the action and review the biggest headlines. Today, the IceHogs battled in a penalty-filled affair with the Chicago Wolves, falling 5-2 in Hoffman Estates, Ill. The contest featured 63 combined penalties and 15 power plays.

Physical play and penalties were the name of the game today. What attributed to that? Rematch from Saturday? Teams still trying to find their early-season groove?

King: It’s the Rockford/Wolves rivalry starting up again. We are young and we have to be patient with these guys. We need to learn to work at this level.

You controlled the physical play, especially in the second period. Plenty of power plays followed (9 in the game). What was different on special teams today compared to Saturday?

King: I thought we did a good job with our physical play. Chicago pressured us more this game against our power play. We need to work without the puck a little better.

Another round of firsts today with Busdeker and Wilkie scoring. Busdeker looks like he’s becoming a reliable asset and Wilkie steps right in his first pro game. What growth have you seen in them?

King: Good to see Busdeker rewarded for his hard work. I don’t know Wilkie enough to say what I think, but he looks like a smart player. Good for him on the goal. We have a lot of work ahead of us.

Busdeker, Kalynuk and Barratt all a little banged up today. How important are these next couple practice days for healing and learning before Iowa on Saturday?

King: We will be having a skills day tomorrow so if guys need rest, they will get it. Two more practices before Iowa so rest and work on some systems will be good for us.

The Rockford IceHogs continue a brief two-game road trip on Saturday, Feb. 13 to battle the Iowa Wild at 6:00 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA. Fans can watch all of this season’s action LIVE on AHLTV and 23.2 Antenna TV WIFR (home games)! Tune in to every broadcast for free on SportsFanRadio 1330 AM, Sportsfanradio1330.com, IceHogs.com, and the IceHogs app!

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