HOGS STAGE LATE COMEBACK, EARN OT WIN TO BOLSTER PLAYOFF PUSH
ROCKFORD, Ill. – Henrik Samuelsson levelled the score at 14:21 of the third period to force extra time, and Andreas Martinsen deflected a Cody Franson shot into the back of the net in overtime to push the Rockford IceHogs past the Iowa Wild 3-2 at the BMO Harris Bank Center Tuesday night.
With the victory, the IceHogs have netted points in four straight games and are now 5-1-0-1 in their last seven outings.
As the teams headed into the final frame with Iowa ahead 2-1, the Hogs mounted their comeback. Samuelsson notched his fourth goal in 11 games with the IceHogs this season, posting up just outside of the crease and potting a rebound from another Franson shot with just over five minutes remaining to help Rockford knot the game for the second time in the contest.
The teams then played 1:47 of overtime before Martinsen managed to redirect Franson’s lofting wrist shot, sealing the IceHogs’ second consecutive overtime win.
Iowa started quickly in Tuesday’s affair, bagging the opening tally just two minutes after the initial drop of the puck. Lance Bouma evened the scoreline for the Hogs nine minutes later, but another Wild marker from Brennan Menell boosted Iowa ahead with a lead they would carry until Samuelsson found twine in the third stanza.
Both netminders starred for their clubs in the lengthy tilt. Rockford’s Collin Delia stopped 33 of 35 pucks to earn his sixth win in his last eight starts, while Iowa’s Steve Michalek turned aside 46 of 49 shots.
Next Home Game: Friday, March 23 | Rockford vs. Milwaukee
The IceHogs host the Milwaukee Admirals at 7 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Friday’s contest is Country Night with a live musical performance from local country band, “StateLine,” who will perform both pre and postgame on Friday. The first 2,500 fans in attendance can also complete their “Our Town, Our Team” bobblehead series with a free bobblehead of current Green Bay Packers defensive end and Rockford native, Dean Lowry. Tickets can be purchased at IceHogs.com, by calling (815) 968-5222 or in-person at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office.