San Antonio, Tex.- Alec Richards deserved a better fate on Thursday night in San Antonio, but the Rockford IceHogs offense stalled out and the Hogs dropped a 1-0 decision to Matt Climie and the Rampage.
San Antonio broke the stalemate at 8:03 of the third period. Rockford winger Brandon Pirri skated a puck into traffic in the San Antonio zone and Mathieu Beaudoin countered in transition. Beaudoin found Alexandre Picard streaking to the goal and the winger tipped his eighth goal of the season over Richards for the game’s only goal.
Short-handed for the final two minutes of regulation, Rockford had a couple of chances in the offensive zone but couldn’t solve Matt Climie who finished the night with 30 saves and his second shutout.
Richards was the tough luck loser on Thursday as he made 37 saves in the loss.
Thursday’s game featured a scoreless first and second period. Richards turned away all 15 San Antonio shots he faced while Climie blocked all six Rockford attempts.
Both goalies stood tall in the second period, especially Richards who turned away 16 more San Antonio shots on goal. Rockford peppered Climie with 12 shots, but the Rampage puckstopper turned them all away.
Rockford’s power play was stagnant going 0-6 on the night while holding San Antonio to 0-5.
Next Home Game: Wednesday, Nov. 24 vs. Lake Erie Monsters. Puck drop is at 6:35 p.m. Wednesday nights are Taco Bell Dollar Days at the MetroCentre, which includes dollar hot dogs, beers, sodas and companion tickets. The first 2,500 fans will receive Stanley Cup bottle holders courtesy of Bud Light and WXRX.