Week 20 Report: Hogs Sweep Week with Three Wins

BACON BITS

DEJA-VU
The Rockford IceHogs enter Tuesday's contest against the Grand Rapids Griffins just two points outside of a playoff spot behind the Griffins and Chicago Wolves, who are tied for third in the Central Division standings. The IceHogs currently hold a record of 4-3-0-0 against the Griffins in 2019-20 and look to pick up points in the remaining three contests against their divisional rival. Through the first seven matchups between the clubs in 2018-19, Rockford also held a record of 4-3-0-0 but would go on to win all three remaining clashes against Grand Rapids.

TURNING AROUND THE TURNAROUND
From the IceHogs' season-opener on Oct. 4 through Dec. 20, the IceHogs held an overall record of 17-10-0-1 and reached as high as second place in the Central Division. However, from Dec. 21 through Feb. 1, Rockford won just three matchups, going 3-14-1-1 in that span and falling to sixth place in the division. But now, the Hogs have won five of their last six games since Feb. 4 and have climbed into fifth in the Central, trailing the Grand Rapids Griffins and Chicago Wolves for the final playoff spot by just two points.

THE RIGHT TRACK
Saturday's 4-1 victory over the Cleveland Monsters marks the first time the IceHogs have won five out of their previous six games since Nov. 29-Dec. 10. Additionally, after going 0-for-14 on the power play across five games from Jan. 15-22 and falling to 31st in the AHL in power-play rankings, the IceHogs have now netted 10 power-play goals across their last 10 matchups, going 10-for-41 (24.4%) in that span and jumping to 29th in the league with a success rate of 13.0% on the season.

OH MY COSH
Ian McCoshen netted his first goal of the season on Saturday before adding an empty-netter to note the first multi-goal game of his professional career. It was the first time McCoshen had lit the lamp since Feb. 23, 2019, when he scored for the Florida Panthers against the Los Angeles Kings, and it marked his first American Hockey Leauge goal since March 11, 2017, when he was with the Springfield Falcons. Furthermore, the IceHogs are now a clean 7-0 when McCoshen registers a point this season.

HEY...CARL, GOOD TO SEE YOU!
Lucas Carlsson dished an assist in Saturday's 4-1 win over the Monsters to extend his assist streak to six games in which he's set up eight goals. The stretch marks the longest point-streak of his professional career and ties the longest assist streak by any IceHog this season, which was previously set by Dylan Sikura when he assisted on six goals from Feb. 1-Feb. 13. With the stretch, Carlsson now leads the entire Rockford roster in assists with 21.

DYL PICKLE
Dylan Sikura's power-play goal in Saturday's win over the Cleveland Monsters increases his point streak to a career-high 10 games in which he's deposited four goals and tossed nine assists. Not only is the streak the longest by any IceHog this season, but the stretch eclipses Sikura's previous career-high six-game point streak he set from Feb. 2-April 4 of 2019 in which he contributed seven points (3g, 4a). The last time a member of the IceHogs bagged points in 10 straight contests was March 16-April 6 of 2018 when Chris DiDomenico compiled 14 points (5g, 9a) across a 10-game streak.

GOALS GALORE
After only scoring three goals in a game twice from Dec. 21-Jan. 22, the IceHogs have now notched more than two goals six times in their last 10 outings. Additionally, after surrendering at least three goals in a game seven times in a 10-game span from Jan. 14-Feb. 1, Rockford has kept opponents to two or fewer tallies in five of the last six games dating to Feb. 4.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES

Tuesday, Feb. 18 vs. Grand Rapids Griffins | 7 p.m.
With the purchase of a Taco Tuesday ticket package, fans will receive an upper level ticket, one 12 oz. margarita and two tacos. The package can be purchased HERE for just $15. Additionally, fans attending the game on Tuesday can enjoy discounted tacos and craft beer, with tacos going for only $2 and select craft beer options available for just $5.

Friday, Feb. 21 vs. San Antonio Rampage | 7 p.m.
Kick off the weekend with $2 Bud Light beer during Friday's home game. Tickets can be purchased HERE and the $2 beers can be purchased at most concession stands on the concourse through the end of second intermission.