Blackhawks Prospects
Calder Cup Playoffs: IceHogs Look to Reverse Fortunes Versus Wolves
The Rockford IceHogs begin their Calder Cup Playoff run tonight in the Central Division First Round series against the Chicago Wolves. The winner of the best-of-three series will play the Milwaukee Admirals in the Central Division Semifinals. Since the Wolves are the higher seed, they should be hosting all three games of the series, but because the Allstate Arena is booked over the weekend, the IceHogs will host Game 2 and Game 3, if necessary.
This marks the third time in the last four seasons that the IceHogs have been unable to avoid the First Round and get a bye into the Semifinals. The good news is they are 4-0 all-time in First Round games, sweeping the Texas Stars in 2022 and the Iowa Wild in 2023. The IceHogs struggled mightily against their instate rivals this season, going 3-7-1 in their 12-game regular-season series. Chicago outscored Rockford 44-32 in the regular season.
IceHogs Outlook
The season in Rockford started with many young and promising prospects, but the AHL veterans led the way. They were the one constant between injuries and call-ups to Chicago. Cole Guttman led the IceHogs in goals (23), assists (34), and points (57). He had a goal and nine points against the Wolves in the regular season. Captain Brett Seney also had a goal and nine points against Chicago. Joey Anderson scored seven goals in seven games versus the Wolves.
The IceHogs’ top six in scoring were all veteran players in Guttman, Zach Sanford, Seney, Gerry Mayhew, Anderson, and Andreas Athanasiou. This bodes well because, traditionally, veteran-led teams have the most success in the Calder Cup Playoffs. Mayhew, a former AHL MVP, has 10 goals and 13 points in 19 career playoff games.
It’s not all about the veterans in Rockford. Gavin Hayes, Paul Ludwinski, and Samuel Savoie all had successful first seasons. Hayes and Ludwinski started to find their games late in the season with a combined five goals and 12 points over the final 10 games. Aidan Thompson has an assist in his four AHL games since signing with the organization. Marek Vanacker and AJ Spellacy were recently added to the roster after their seasons ended in the Ontario Hockey League. It’s unlikely that they will see any game action, but you never know. They could earn some playing time if they impress head coach Mark Eaton during practice.
The back end got a boost as Kevin Korchinski and Artyom Levshunov returned to Rockford after their stints with the Blackhawks. They will play their first professional playoff games fresh off tasting some success in the NHL. Korchinski was the IceHogs’ top-scoring defenseman with three goals and 27 points in 56 regular-season games. Levshunov had five goals and 22 points in his 52 games before making his NHL debut. He was second on the team with 140 shots on goal.
Goaltender Drew Commesso is heading into the postseason playing the best hockey of his young professional career. Since returning from an ankle injury on Feb. 28, he’s gone 10-3-2 with a .934 save percentage (SV%), 1.98 goals-against average (GAA), and two shutouts.
Wolves Outlook
While a group of veterans led the IceHogs, the Wolves had three star rookies to help them reach the postseason. Bradly Nadeau finished just one point behind Ryan Suzuki for the team lead in points. He finished his outstanding season with a team-high 32 goals and 58 points, while being named to the AHL All-Rookie Team. The 19-year-old had 10 goals and 13 points against the IceHogs. Justin Robidas had three goals and 17 points during the regular-season series. Stopping this young, dynamic duo will be crucial if the IceHogs want to advance to face Milwaukee.
Chicago’s third rookie making a significant contribution is on the blue line. Defenseman Scott Morrow had 13 goals and 26 assists, with his 39 points being the fourth-best on the team. Chicago can produce offense from the back end, as Domenick Fensore and Ty Smith had 32 and 28 points, respectively.
The Wolves are led by veteran goaltenders Spencer Martin and Dustin Tokarski. Martin shut out the IceHogs in the regular-season finale last Saturday. Tokarski won all five starts against Rockford this season with a .924 SV%.
Blackhawks fans will recognize several names on the Wolves’ roster, including Josiah Slavin, Austin Wagner, and Riley Stillman.
IceHogs Team Leaders
G-Cole Guttman (23)
A-Guttman (34)
P-Guttman (57)
PPG-Guttman/Joey Anderson (8)
GWG-Zach Sanford (5)
SOG-Guttman (177)
PIM-Sanford (86)
Wolves Team Leaders
G-Bradley Nadeau (32)
A-Ryan Suzuki (47)
P-Suzuki (59)
PPG-Nadeau (10)
GWG-Nadeau (7)
SOG-Justin Robidas (161)
PIM-Yannick Turcotte (131)
IceHogs Team Stats
GF/G-2.86 (22nd)
GA/G-3.06 (16th)
PP%-17.4 (23rd)
PK%-80.9 (21st)
SOG/G-27.8 (23rd)
SA/G-28.5 (15th)
Wolves Team Stats
GF/G-2.85 (25th)
GA/G-3.10 (18th)
PP%-18.9 (14th)
PK%-82.9 (13th)
SOG/G-29.2 (13th)
SA/G-27.1 (5th)
Series Schedule
Wed, April 23 @ Wolves -7 p.m.
Fri, April 25 vs Wolves – 7 p.m.
*Sat, April 27 vs Wolves – 4 p.m.
*If Necessary
