Week 9 Report: Home Cookin' With the Hogs

BACON BITS

The Rockford IceHogs capped their road trip in Texas with a loss at San Antonio Tuesday before rebounding with back-to-back home wins against Chicago and Grand Rapids. Rockford has points in five of its last six games and is 9-3-0-1 over its last 13 contests since Oct. 30.

The IceHogs have won three straight home games and eight of their last nine at the BMO since Nov. 8 against Manitoba. The Hogs' eight total home wins this season are tied for the second-most in the AHL behind only Toronto, which is 10-1-0-0 through 11 home games. In addition, Central Division teams have combined to post a 49-28-7-5 record at home entering the week, and the Central is the AHL's lone division with seven of eight teams boasting a better-than .500 record at home.

Rockford set a franchise record with its fifth consecutive win over the Chicago Wolves on Friday. The streak surpasses the previous record of four straight wins from Nov. 20 - Dec. 27, 2009. The IceHogs' longest win streak against any opponent is nine games against Milwaukee from Jan. 22, 2011 - March 13, 2012.

Kevin Lankinen turned aside 66 of 70 shots over his two games last week and enters the week tied for first among qualified goaltenders for the fewest goals allowed this season (20) and fifth in the league's best save percentage (.915). Lankinen has now helped the IceHogs to points in six of his eight games and allowed three or fewer goals in seven of his eight appearances.

Anton Wedin made his NHL debut with the Blackhawks on Nov. 30 at Colorado. Wedin is the 118th IceHogs alum to reach the NHL and 87th to skate with Chicago.

Dylan and Tyler Sikura are tied with each other for the team lead in scoring with 13 points on eight goals and five assists apiece. The duo has combined to score 43.3 percent of Rockford's goals with 26 of the team's 60 total markers.

Tim Soderlund scored his first AHL goal with a marker in the second period Tuesday against Grand Rapids. He is the seventh IceHogs skater to net his first career AHL goal this season.

UPCOMING GAMES

Tuesday, Dec. 3 | Rockford vs. Manitoba (7 p.m.) The IceHogs cap a three-game homestand with a Tuesday matchup against the Moose. The contest is a Taco Tuesday in which fans can purchase tacos for just $2. The game is also a winning weekday and fans can redeem their ticket from Oct. 30 or Nov. 6 for a free ticket to Tuesday's game.

Friday, Dec. 6 | Rockford at Grand Rapids (6 p.m.) Rockford travels to Grand Rapids for the fifth game of the 2019-20 series. The teams have split the first four contests of the series with two wins apiece.

Saturday, Dec. 7 | Rockford vs Milwaukee (6 p.m.) The IceHogs return home to the BMO Harris Bank Center for their annual Teddy Bear Toss game. In addition, the first 2,500 fans in attendance will receive a free Kris Versteeg bobblehead, courtesy of Rock Valley Culligan.

BUD LIGHT MONTHLY MONDAY HOG TALK AT SKYBOX

Bud Light Hog Talk returns tonight at Skybox. The new venue is located inside the Indoor Sports Center at Mercyhealth Sportscore Two at 8800 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park. Fans can join broadcaster Joseph Zakrzewski from 6-7 p.m. once per month throughout the season as he chats with IceHogs players, coaches and front office members. For those unable to attend the show in-person, the show will be streaming live on IceHogs.com. “Bud Light Hog Talk” will also be available on www.icehogs.com following the live show. The expected guests for tonight's show are forward Reese Johnson and defenseman Chad Krys.

ICEHOGS BROADCASTING NETWORK

Catch the IceHogs this season on WIFR’s 23.2 Antenna TV. The games can also be viewed on Comcast Cable channel 434, Charter Cable channel 194, Dish Network channel 252 or Mediacom 102 in the Rockford market and online through watchtheAHL.com. Each TV broadcast will start with “IceHogs Warm Up” 30 minutes prior to puck drop. Fans can also listen to the action for free at sportsfanradio1330.com, facebook.com/rockfordicehogs and IceHogs.com. For a complete listing of TV stations carrying IceHogs games, visit IceHogs.com, and for the complete schedule of radio broadcasts, visit sportsfanradio1330.com.

TICKETS ON SALE FOR 2019-20!

IceHogs individual game tickets can be purchased by calling (815) 968-5222 to reserve your seats for any regular season home game during the 2019-20 season. Tickets can also be purchased online at IceHogs.com, in person at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office in downtown Rockford or at any Ticketmaster outlet, including Walmart.