IceHogs Grab OT Win AGAIN, Advance in AHL Playoffs

The IceHogs journey in the AHL playoffs began with a dramatic, overtime win against Iowa in Rockford. Rocco Grimaldi took care of the heroics in Game One. Game Two — and Three, if necessary — would take place in Iowa; the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs is a best-of-three format.

So the Hogs were looking to “sweep” their way into the second round on Friday night; I hate using the word “sweep” for only two games, but it works I guess.

Isaak Phillips scored late in the first period to tie the game at one. David Gust scored the game’s only goal in the second period, and the IceHogs took a 2-1 lead to the third. But a Filip Roos penalty carried over from the end of the second into the start of the third period and Iowa was able to score a power play goal to tie the game only 20 seconds into the third period.

Iowa took a 3-2 lead almost six minutes into the third, but Rockford was able to tie the game off the stick of Michal Teply at 9:34 into the third. The final 10-plus minutes passed without a goal, but that doesn’t mean it was easy skating. Alec Regula took a high-sticking penalty with under three minutes remaining in regulation. The Hogs were able to escape the PK and take the game to overtime — again.

And it was Buddy Robinson who came through with the OT GWG and Rockford advances to the second round!