ICEHOGS TAKE CONTROL WITH 3-1 HOME WIN

Rockford has 3-point lead over Milwaukee and is two points over San Antonio

Rockford, Ill.- All season long, the Rockford IceHogs have won the big games.

And Saturday's contest against the Milwaukee Admirals at the Rockford MetroCentre kept with the theme.

The Rockford IceHogs take back sole possession of second place with a crucial 3-1 win.

Bryan Schmidt blasted a one-timer over Wade Flaherty's right shoulder on a pass from Cal O' Reilly on a power play at 5:25 in the first period for the first score of the game.

But Petri Kontiola responded with a power play goal of his own at 12:40 in the second period to tie the game. Martin St. Pierre and Derek Nesbitt recorded the assists.

Then Kris Versteeg, with helpers from St. Pierre and Nesbitt, put the Hogs up 2-1 at 19:01. On a two-on-one breakaway, St. Pierre dished to Versteeg, who deked and shot the puck past Dov Grumet-Morris.

St. Pierre added a short-handed open netter at 19:50 in the third period to give the Hogs some insurance.

Both goalies were strong between pipes as Flaherty picked up career win 299 after making 29 saves. Grumet Morris was the hard luck loser after blocking 34 Rockford shots.

Next Home Game: Friday, March 28 vs. Chicago Wolves. Game time is 7:30 p.m. The Hogs and Wolves renew their rivalry at the Rockford MetroCentre. The first 1,000 fans to the game will pick up an IceHogs player figurine featuring Cam Barker, Mike Blunden and Martin St. Pierre. The giveaway is sponsored by Wheels By RT and FOX39.