Official site of the Rockford IceHogs
Proud Affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks

HOGS TAKE TENTH WIN AGAINST ADMIRALS

Vs MIL Lalonde Wilson
Rockford and Milwaukee finish 12 game season-series with fifth shootout

Rockford, Ill.-
If there has been one constant in the Rockford IceHogs series with the Milwaukee Admirals, it’s been shootouts. And the IceHogs have come away with four wins out of the five games that went to the extra, extra session against the Admirals, including a 2-1 victory on Friday night at the BMO Harris Bank Center.

Trailing 1-0 going into the final frame, Rob Flick converted at the 4:30 mark of the third period to tie the game. Brandon Pirri corralled the puck on a breakaway chance, but Jeremy Smith denied the second-year center with a huge save. However, the Admirals goaltender couldn’t cover the puck, and after Phillip Danault failed to get the puck past Smith, Flick found it loose in front of the net and hammered home his seventh goal of the season to even the score.

After neither team found the back of the net during a five-minute overtime frame, Rockford and Milwaukee played in their fifth shootout in the 12 game series. Kyle Wilson tallied in the first round for Milwaukee, but Alexander Salak turned away the next four shooters. Matt Fornataro and Peter LeBlanc marked goals for the IceHogs to give Rockford the win and their ninth straight over the Admirals.

Friday’s contest was scoreless for nearly 40 minutes before Milwaukee got on the board at the 18:01 mark of the middle frame. Ryan Thang carried the puck into the Rockford zone and stopped at the faceoff circle to the right of Salak. Thang found Michael Latta open in the slot and sent the puck to the centerman, and Latta redirected the pass behind Salak to give the Admirals a 1-0 lead.

Salak earned his sixth win on the campaign on 15 saves. Smith turned away 34 IceHogs shots in the shootout loss.

Both teams earned four power play opportunities on the night, but neither club converted on the man advantage.

For the full box score, click here.

Next Home Game:
Saturday, April 14 vs. Charlotte Checkers. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs conclude the 2011-12 regular season against the Checkers. Saturday is Fan Appreciation Night at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The first 5,000 fans through the doors will receive an IceHogs team photo sponsored by the Rockford Register Star, plus all fans will have the opportunity to win a variety of prizes including Blackhawks playoff tickets. After each whistle, the IceHogs will give away gift certificates and special offers from local businesses. In addition, fans will have the chance to win a jersey off the back of a current IceHogs skater following Saturday’s game.