SECOND-PERIOD STORM PROPELS ICEHOGS PAST CHICAGO

Rosemont, Ill. - The Rockford IceHogs erupted for three goals in the second period and were able to hold on for a 4-3 victory in the first game of this year’s Illinois Lottery Cup Series against the Chicago Wolves Saturday night at Allstate Arena.

Lucas Carlsson began the second-period outburst after the two teams skated to an even first frame. Carlsson fired a one-timer past Chicago goaltender Oscar Dansk following a faceoff win from Victor Ejdsell.

Darren Raddysh extended the Rockford lead on a power-play blast from the point. The 22-year-old defenseman is tied for the team lead with 12 points, the sixth highest total of any AHL defenseman this year.

Dylan Sikura capped off the IceHogs’ furious second period with another power-play goal. The rookie forward quickly converted on a shot from the right side after a setup from Ejdsell left Sikura with a wide open net.

Chicago was able to claw back into the game, thanks to a second-period tally from Keegan Kolesar and a Brooks Macek marker that drew the Wolves within one with 22 seconds remaining. But the IceHogs weathered the rally and secured a 4-3 victory.

Forward Justin Auger provided the first Rockford goal in the opening stanza. Since joining the team on a PTO, Auger now has goals in each of his two games with Rockford.