Rockford, IL-  The Rockford IceHogs (23-33-3-2) return to the BMO Center as they host the Grand Rapids Griffins (44-12-3-1) this afternoon at 4 p.m. Both teams are at the end of a three games in three days stretch. 

The Matchup:

All Time Series: 76-69-7-5

Season Series: 1-6-0-0

Last Time Out: Rockford made their way back into the win column with a 4-2 victory over the Chicago Wolves last night in Rosemont. The IceHogs would take a two goal lead in the opening period courtesy of rookie Chase Dafoe. Brett Seney would widen the lead in the third period before the Wolves finally broke through Drew Commesso. Rem Pitlick tallied an insurance marker with an empty net goal for his 18th of the season. Drew Commesso picked up his 12th win of the season, going 36/38 to help the IceHogs pick up back-to back wins over Chicago for the first time this season. Now the IceHogs return home to take on the division-leading Griffins in hopes to secure points in two of the three games this weekend. 
 

Team Leaders: 

Grand Rapids:

 Points- Amadeus Lombardi- 34 points 

 Goals- Eduards Tralmarks- 19G 

 Assists- Amadeus Lombardi- 22A

Rockford:

Points- Brett Seney- 44 points  

Goals- Rem Pitlick- 18G

Assists- Brett Seney- 31A

Three Things To Know: 

You're a Pro Chase Dafoe!: Rookie Chase Dafoe made his AHL debut one to remember as he would tally his first two professional goals in the opening 20 minutes last night in Rosemont.  The 24-year-old deflected in two goals four minutes apart in the first period to give the IceHogs a 2-0 lead over Chicago. The Beverly, MA  native signed a two-year deal with the IceHogs last week after concluding his final season at U. of Alaska Fairbanks where we was the team captain. Dafoe recorded 21 points (13G,8A) in 33 games in his final season with the Nanooks in Fairbanks. 

Leader of the Pack: Rockford got yet another stellar performance from goaltender Drew Commesso in last night's 4-2 victory. The IceHogs' netminder made his fourth consecutive appearance over the last two weeks and stopped the first 30 shots he faced against the Wolves and end the game making 36 saves on 38 shots. Commesso has now won three of the last four games, facing at least 30 shots in three of his last four appearances. 

This is March: The IceHogs continue to keep pace with the Milwaukee Admirals as both teams earned two points last night. The Admirals took a 5-2 win over the Griffins to maintain an eight point lead over the IceHogs for the final playoff spot in the division. With 11 games remaining, the IceHogs will look to earn points in two of the three games this weekend all while facing the top two teams in the Central division. 

The IceHogs will be back at the BMO Center Saturday, March 28 to host the Iowa Wild. The first 2,500 fans will receive a hockey stick cooler bag presented by Pepsi. Tickets are available at icehogs.com.