What you need to know before Rockford takes on the Manitoba Moose.
(P/C Rockford IceHogs)
By Jack Masters, Lead IceHogs Analyst, @hogthought on X
ROCKFORD— After a disappointing second weekend for Rockford, the Hogs head north to Manitoba for a pair of 2pm starts with the Moose beginning Saturday. The Icehogs at 1-2 currently sit in fifth place in the Central Division, 2 points behind this weekend’s opponent in the Moose (2-2).
The Moose on the other hand spent last weekend in Grand Rapids, dropping a pair of Friday/Saturday games to the Griffins. Let’s take a quick peek at how Manitoba stacks up as they play host this weekend.
Point Leader: Nikita Chibrikov- 4
Goals Leader: Dominic Toninato- 2
PIM Leader: Mark Liwiski- 19
Save % Leader: Domenic Divincentiis- 0.937
Looking back to last weekend, Rockford should have a bit of an easier go in terms of physical-play. Manitoba looks to be built more around speed and skill as opposed to the size and physicality the Admirals flexed on the Icehogs last weekend. It’s also a good chance for Rockfords big-men (Baddock, Dach, Sanford) to flex a little physicality of their own on a more evenly-matched opponent.
COMMENCE THE ARTY PARTY
Rockford received a big boost this week when Blackhawks 2024 first-round pick, Artyom Levshunov, was activated off IR and assigned to Rockford. The 6’2” defenseman missed training camp and the first two weeks of the season with a foot injury. I broke down his game earlier in the offseason, so I won’t go into a full-fledged scouting report on him, but in short, the Hogs just added an elite puck-moving defenseman to their roster. With size, strength, speed and skill, Arty figures to make an immediate impact on Rockford’s roster.
In terms of where we’d see him in the lineup there are options. Hawks fans have clamored to see Arty paired with fellow d-man prospect Kevin Korchinski, although I’m not sure that’s the best fit at the current time. Both play a similar high level offensive game with still-developing defensive skills. So pairing them together may come with some defensive-restraints. From my perspective, I’d like to see him paired with Ethan Del Mastro. EDM certainly comes with his fair share (albeit small at the AHL level) of defensive concerns, his 2-way style of play could pair nicely with the skills of Levshunov. Let’s see what Sorensen opts to do on Saturday.
COMMESSO CALLED UP, PHILLIPS SENT BACK DOWN
With Arvid Soderblom under the weather, Drew Commesso was recalled to back-up Petr Mrazek Friday night, the assumption is he will travel with the team to Dallas Saturday, leaving Rockford Commesso-less this weekend. Mitchell Weeks will get the reigns for at least one of the starts. Could we see the AHL debut of Ben Gaudreau?
Rockford also received Isaak Phillips back and will more than likely be in the lineup this weekend. With both Levshunov and Phillips jumping in for the Hogs, how will Sorensen stack things up?
(P/C: Rashaad Robinson, Rockford IceHogs)
HOT HOG
Frank Nazar: After potting two goals and three points last weekend, Nazar rolls into the weekend with 4 points in three games for the Hogs. Anchoring a top line along with Landon Slaggert and Brett Seney, Nazar has quickly proven to be the top man for Rockford. As the saying goes; Where he goes, we go.
COLD HOG
Zach Sanford: With 0 points through the first three games, as well as a -4 rating, Zach Sanford get’s the Cold Hog award this week. As a big-body up front and a key veteran presence, Rockford is relying on Sanford to turn things around in Manitoba.
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