HOGS TRIPPED UP BY ADMIRALS

Rockford drops back-to-back games for first time

Milwaukee, Wis.- Falling behind early is starting to become a detriment for the Rockford IceHogs and on Friday the IceHogs were stuck chasing goals again in a 4-2 loss to the Milwaukee Admirals at the BMO Harris Bradley Center.

The iceHogs (7-4-1-0) have dropped back-to-back games for the first time this season while Milwaukee remained without a regulation loss (5-0-2-0).

Rockford's early game struggles continued as Milwaukee struck 4:40 into the first period. On a power play, Joshua Shalla poked home a rebound under Kent Simpson off of a Scott Valentine shot for his second goal of the season.

Through 12 games this season, the Hogs have scored the first goal just three times.

The IceHogs responded with Mark McNeill's team best seventh goal of the season. The rookie cleaned up a rebound kicked out by Milwaukee's Marek Mazanec off of a Klas Dahlbeck shot at 7:49 to make it 1-1.

Then in transition the Admirals reclaimed the lead. Austin Watson's shot was blocked into the Rockford slot, but right to Mikka Salomaki and the winger buried his first marker over the shoulder of Simpson at 14:53.

Rockford carried the play in the second period, but it was Milwaukee tacking on a goal. Defenseman Anthony Bitetto backhanded his fourth goal of the season past Simpson at 16:18 for his fourth lamp lighter of the season to make it 3-1.

In the third a power play strike pulled Rockford back within a goal. Alex Broadhurst was set up by Dylan Olsen on the right face-off circle and the rookie blasted home his fourth goal of the season at 6:26.

For the second straight game, however, Rockford took a penalty late in the contest down by a goal and the opposition put the game away. Taylor Beck dumped his second goal of the season into an empty Rockford net at 19:23.

Next Home Game: Sunday, Nov. 3 vs. Grand Rapids. Game time is 4 p.m. The first 1,500 fans to the BMO will receive a picture frame courtesy of Riverside Dental. Also, after the game, fans will be able to take pictures with IceHogs players. For tickets, call (815) 968-5222, online through IceHogs.com or in person at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office or at any Ticketmaster outlet.