IceHogs Close Season Series vs. Griffins with Dazzling Shootout Win in Grand Rapids
IceHogs Highlights: IceHogs at Griffins - 5/2/21
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Monday, December 23
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Grand Rapids, MI – Forwards Evan Barratt (one goal, one assist), Andrei Altybarmakian (two assists), and Chad Yetman (one goal, one assist) each recorded two-point games and forward Tim Soderlund and defenseman Cody Franson dazzled in the shootout to send the Rockford IceHogs (11-15-1-0) over the Grand Rapids Griffins (12-9-3-1), 3-2, at Van Andel Arena Monday night. The IceHogs completed their eight-game head-to-head season series against the Griffins with a 4-4-0 record including a 3-1-0 record in Grand Rapids.
The IceHogs opened the scoring for the second consecutive contest against the Griffins as Barratt deflected in his fifth goal of the season at 9:20 over the blocker of Griffins goalie Kaden Flucher (SOL, 36 saves on 38 shots).
Forward Chad Yetman made it a 2-0 IceHogs lead at 9:58 of the second period with his second goal of the season off passes from Barratt and Altybarmakian. Griffins forward Chase Pearson turned the momentum around with a pair of goals 1:58 apart to reset the contest. His sixth goal of the season beat IceHogs netminder Matt Tomkins (W, 24 saves on 26 shots) over the catching glove at 13:20 and then buried a power-play goal at 15:18.
The third period became a test of strategy and defense with neither side willing to yield a regulation game-winning goal. In overtime, the Griffins came close to grabbing the victory, but Tomkins received help from the goal posts twice during the frantic back-and-forth five-minute skate.
In their second shootout of the season, Soderlund gave the IceHogs the lead in the opening round with a great shot over the glove of Fulcher and Franson followed up with a perfect shot off the post and in for a 2-1 IceHogs lead after two rounds. Tomkins denied Pearson in the final round to seal the victory.
The IceHogs went 0-for-2 on the power play while the Griffins went 1-for-2.
The Rockford IceHogs open a two-game series against the Iowa Wild on Friday, May 7 at 7:00 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moins, IA and close their 10-game season series against the Wild on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 9 at 4:00 p.m. at BMO Harris Bank Center. Fans can watch all of this season’s action LIVE on AHLTV and 23.2 Antenna TV WIFR (home games)! Tune in to every broadcast for free on SportsFanRadio 1330 AM, Sportsfanradio1330.com, IceHogs.com, and the IceHogs app!
Every active full IceHogs Season Ticket Holder and 20-Game holder who have paid for their tickets in full or who have a deposit down on their tickets for 2020-21 will receive FREE access to every IceHogs game through AHLTV on the IceHogs Broadcast Network presented by BMO Harris Bank! Want to upgrade to a Full Season or 20-Game plan? Contact us at (815) 968-5222 or email us at ticketservices@icehogs.com!