SECOND PERIOD SPARKS HOGS OFFENSE
Rockford, Ill. – Needing to pick up points to stay in the Western Conference playoff race, the Rockford IceHogs did just that. The IceHogs knocked off the Iowa Wild 3-2 in front of a sold-out BMO Harris Bank Center on Saturday.
Trailing by a goal after the first 20 minutes, the IceHogs quickly tied the game to begin the second period. Just 25 seconds into the middle frame Phillip Danault setup Pierre-Marc Bouchard for his ninth goal of the season to even the score at 1-1.
Then, just 50 seconds later, the IceHogs took control of the game when Brandon Mashinter knocked in a rebound from Mathieu Brisebois. The marker came at 1:15 into the second period to give the Hogs their first lead of the game, 2-1.
Brisebois added to the IceHogs lead with a goal of his own to make it a two-goal game at 7:47 in the second period. Terry Broadhurst sent a cross-ice pass to Brisebois and the defenseman skated in before blasting his third goal of the season past Joel Martin.
Iowa came back in the third as Jamie MacQueen scored his third goal of the season to pull the Wild within one. Iowa had the lone goal of the third period but the Hogs held the Midwest Division rivals off the board the rest of the way to earn the victory.
Iowa opened the scoring 5:31 into the first period to take the early advantage. Brady Brassart picked up a pass from Carson McMillan and deposited his first career professional goal.
Jason LaBarbera earned the win, stopping 23-of-25 shots, besting Martin who stopped 22 on the same amount of chances.
Next Home Game: Friday, April 18 vs. Chicago Wolves The puck hits the ice at 7 p.m. as the IceHogs host fan appreciation weekend at the BMO. The first 1,500 fans into the building will pick up an IceHogs beach towel compliments of Peak Fitness.