Hogs Snap Marlies' 10-game Point Streak With 3-1 Victory

ROCKFORD, Ill. – Philipp Kurashev netted his first professional tally as the game-winning goal midway through the second period and Kevin Lankinen turned aside 19 of 20 shots to help the Rockford IceHogs extend their home winning streak to five straight games with a 3-1 win over the Toronto Marlies Wednesday morning at the BMO Harris Bank Center.

A season-high 5,683 fans packed the BMO to witness the Hogs deal the Marlies their first regulation loss of the 2019-20 season.

Philip Holm brought the puck in from the point on the power play to help set up Kurashev’s deciding marker. As the defense collapsed to meet Holm, Kurashev skated to the top of the left circle and wristed home a feed from Holm for his first goal of his pro career. The tally boosted the IceHogs to a 2-1 lead and gives the Hogs four power-play goals over their last four games.

Matt Read beat Kevin Lankinen eight seconds into the second period but Reese Johnson cashed in for his third goal in four games just 24 seconds later to even the score at 1-1. Nick Moutrey set up Johnson’s goal when his shot kicked off Marlies netminder Kasimir Kaskisuo. Johnson then raced in and blasted the loose rebound past Kaskisuo’s outstretched glove to retie the contest.

Lankinen finished with 19 saves to secure his third consecutive win.

Rockford has now won four consecutive games and six of the last eight tilts dating back to Oct. 18. The victory also snapped the Marlies’ 10-game point streak after Toronto began the 2019-20 campaign at 7-0-2-1.

Next Home Game: Friday, Nov. 8 vs. Manitoba Moose | 7 p.m.
The Rockford IceHogs cap a five-game homestand with $2 beer night at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Budweiser and Bud Light beer will be available for just $2 at most concessions on the concourse.