LAGACE�S MAXIMUM EFFORT BLANKS ICEHOGS IN ROSEMONT
ROSEMONT, Ill. – Max Lagace stopped 27 pucks in his first shutout of the season and Brooks Macek netted the game-winner in the second period as the Chicago Wolves blanked the Rockford IceHogs 1-0 Tuesday night at Allstate Arena.
Lagace was dominant throughout his start, surviving Rockford’s 7-1 shooting edge in the first period and stopping an onslaught of 12 shots during the third frame. He also stonewalled several solid looks right on the doorstep en route to his first shutout in his last 66 starts. The last time the netminder blanked an opponent was with Texas on a 28-save effort against San Antonio on Nov. 26, 2016.
Daniel Carr set up Macek’s goal, skating into the IceHogs’ zone from the left side and drawing the attention of netminder Collin Delia. Carr cruised towards the net and slid a clever pass by Delia and Blake Hillman’s outstretched stick. Macek completed the play with a tip-in for his 23rd goal of the season and the deciding tally of the contest.
Delia stopped 15 of 16 pucks in his first start with the IceHogs since Dec. 16. Despite the setback, he still boasts a .933 save percentage and 2.27 GAA on the year with Rockford.
The IceHogs fended off each of Chicago’s three power plays in the loss, but were in-turn held scoreless on a pair of their own man-advantages.
The Illinois Lottery Cup Series is now tied at five wins apiece. The two teams will next meet in Rockford on Wednesday, March 20.
Next Home Game: March 1 vs. Grand Rapids | 7 p.m.
The Rockford IceHogs return home to host the Grand Rapids Griffins on Country Night at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The first 1,500 fans to arrive will receive a FREE bandana, thanks to Texas Roadhouse.