PENALTY KILL LETS HOGS DOWN IN CHARLOTTE

Nordstrom scores both goals in 5-2 loss

Charlotte, N.C.- For the second time in five games the Rockford IceHogs penalty kill gave up four power play goals, and on Saturday it led to a 5-2 loss to the Charlotte Checkers at the Time Warner Cable Arena.

The Checkers went 4-6 on the power play and claimed their first home victory of the season.

In the first period Charlotte put up the first goal just 2:04 into the frame. Justin Shugg sent an innocent backhanded shot in towards the IceHogs net, but Mac Carruth, making his AHL debut, didn't see it and the puck slid by him and in for Shugg's third marker of the season.

Rockford evened the game at 1-1 in the second period in transition. Joakim Nordstrom redirected a Phillip Danault pass past John Muse at 5:12 of the frame for his second marker of the season.

Charlotte regained the lead with a power play marker later in the second period. Mark Flood's point shot found the top corner over Carruth at 13:08 for his sixth goal of the season.

But late in the second period, Nordstrom struck again to tie the game at 2-2 at the second intermission. Nordstrom found his own rebound and slapped home his second goal of the period past Muse with just 1.1 seconds left in the middle frame.

Rockford's penalty kill continued to be a detriment as they coughed up another goal early in the third period. Shugg was able to work himself free behind the IceHogs goal and he stepped out in front of Carruth and shelved his second goal of the game over Carruth's shoulder at 6:37 for the eventual game winner.

The IceHogs took three late penalties that resulted in two more power play tallies by the Checkers. Zach Boychuk notched his fifth goal of the season on a breakaway at 16:56 of the third before Aaron Palushaj scored on a 5-on-3 at 18:50. Fortunately for Rockford, the clock ran out on the Checkers sixth power play chance.

These two teams meet again on Sunday at 12:30 p.m.

Next Home Game: Wednesday, Nov. 27 vs. Milwaukee Admirals. Game time is 7 p.m. The game will be a WXRX Dollar Day. Fans can purchase hot dogs, soft drinks, beer and companion tickets for $1. Fans can also purchase IceHogs jerseys for half off at Oink Outfitters.