ROCKFORD SEEKS TO ROLL THROUGH REMATCH IN MANITOBA
WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- The Rockford IceHogs seek back-to-back wins over the Manitoba Moose as the teams face off at Bell MTS Place for the second time this week. The IceHogs dropped the Moose 4-2 in Monday’s matchup, moving three points clear of fifth place Iowa.
Puck drop is at 7 p.m. and fans can tune in to all the action on Cozi TV 23.3 or Dish Network Channel 252, beginning with IceHogs Warmup at 6:30 p.m. IceHogs fans can also listen to the game at sportsfanradio1330.com or watch live at AHLlive.com (subscription required).
Matchup: The IceHogs (35-25-4-4, 4th Central) take on the Moose with points in nine of their last 10 outings, posting a 7-1-1-1 record in that span.
Forwards Chris DiDomenico and Tyler Sikura nabbed two points apiece on Monday, stretching their individual point streaks to six games. DiDomenico has notched 3g-6a-9pts on his run, while Sikura has recorded 2g-5a-7pts during his six-gamer.
On defense, Cody Franson bagged the game’s opening goal on Monday and has tallied 4g-8a-12pts in his last 12 outings. Adam Clendening added helpers on three of Rockford’s four goals in its win over the Moose, marking his fifth multi-point effort in 30 games with the IceHogs this season.
The IceHogs will also feature the return of rookie forward Matthew Highmore after he was reassigned by the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday. Highmore led the IceHogs at the time of his callup with 21g-14a-35pts.
Manitoba (39-21-4-4, 1st Central) enters tonight’s tilt with losses and two straight contests.
Rookie Forward Mason Appleton found twine on Monday for his eighth point in his last six outings, and continues to pace the Moose’s attack with 20g-40a-60pts. Fellow forward Nic Petan follows with 15g-36a-51pts in just 49 games, including a pair of goals and one assist in two games against Rockford this season, but has not played in either of Manitoba’s last two contests.
Between the pipes, netminder Jamie Phillips has appeared in seven consecutive games for the Moose, and the team was loaned goaltender Michael Hutchinson by the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday. Hutchinson has recorded a 1.95 GAA and .942 save percentage through 21 starts with the Moose this season.
Next Home Game: Saturday, March 31 vs. San Jose | 6 p.m.
The IceHogs host Hawaiian Night as they take on the San Jose Barracuda at 6 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The event will feature tropical-themed jerseys, live Hawaiian music, a luau with hula dancers, pig roast and orange hibiscus flowers imprinted on the ice. In addition, Hogs alumni Brian Bickell will be on-hand for the festivities. Tickets can be purchased at IceHogs.com, by calling (815) 968-5222 or in-person at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office.