Barons tally two power-play goals in 2-1 win
Oklahoma City- A tired and well traveled Oklahoma City Barons club was more than happy to take any opportunities that the Rockford IceHogs would give them on Saturday night. Two third-period power plays were just what they needed as they tallied on both of them to knock off the IceHogs 2-1 at the Cox Convention Center.
On flip side, Rockford couldn’t convert any of their five man advantages, including a chance moments after Oklahoma City had taken a third period lead.
Rockford grabbed their only marker in period two to take a 1-0 lead. Evan Brophey picked up a Rob Klinkhammer pass and fired his fourth goal of the season past Bryan Pitton at 11:11 of the middle stanza. Ben Smith also helped on the goal.
The Barons tied the game with a power-play goal from Colin McDonald. Hannu Toivonen turned away Alendre Giroux’s initial shot, but McDonald cleaned up the rebound for his 14th goal of the year at 11:50 of the third period.
Moments later the Barons found themselves on another power play and they again capitalized. Teemu Hartikainen’s shot was deflected into the right corner to Linus Omark who banked his 14th goal of the season off of Toivonen’s shoulder from behind the goal line and in for the eventual game-winner at 11:50 of the final period.
With Toivonen on the bench for the extra attacker, Rockford failed to get the equalizer past Pitton who earned his second win of the season after making 30 saves.
Toivonen had his six-game unbeaten streak (4-0-0-2) and three-game winning streak come to an end after making 24 saves.
Next Home Game: Friday, Jan. 7 vs. Toronto Marlies: Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. Rockford returns home for the first time in 2011 for their annual home tilt against Toronto. The game is the first of two on the campaign with the Marlies.