Photo Credit: Kim Wrona

The IceHogs finished their three game road trip with a couple of games in Texas and then headed home for their final tilt of the season against Hamilton. As the days go on in the stretch run, every game’s two points become more and more valuable for the Hogs as they continue to fight for their playoff lives.

» Continue reading “IceHogs Thursday: Everything’s Bigger… Down The Stretch”

Photo Credit: Kim Wrona

This past weekend was a big one for the IceHogs. It featured three games in three nights for the sixth time this year, and all of the games were against Midwest Division rivals. A midweek matchup against Abbotsford was also on Rockford’s plate.

» Continue reading “IceHogs Thursday: We’re Going Sweeping!”

I wonder if Kane will remind Carter & Richards about that one goal he scored in Philly... (Photo: Pete/flickr)

The Blackhawks are in California for a quick two game road trip starting tonight against the Los Angeles Kings. They do so without Jonathan Toews, Steve Montador or Niklas Hjalmarsson, who returned for one game, but is once again out; when any of them will return is unknown. Toews’ Tuesday car accident is unrelated to him not playing as he wasn’t injured in the minor crash.  (Chicago Sun-Times)

For the Kings tonight will mark the reunion of Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, a former infamous Flyers duo, following the trade for Carter which sent Jack Johnson and a conditional 1st round pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Richards and Carter will even get to play together on the same line along with Dwight King. (Los Angeles Times)

Corey Crawford will likely be in net for the Blackhawks, though not confirmed, while Jonathan Quick will be in net for the Kings. (Left Wing Lock & @curtiszupke)

In other Blackhawks news, Carter Hutton was signed to a one year contract yesterday and celebrated it with an IceHogs 3-2 win over the Chicago Wolves, including a goal from the newest IceHog, Matt Fornataro. (Blackhawks & Rockford Register Star)

Don't be mad, Toews. You'll be back soon. I hope.

Jonathan Toews is out for tonight’s game against the Detroit Red Wings with an upper body injury. He’s listed as day-to-day. Brendan Morrison is in the lineup tonight. (@NHLBlackhawks)

Also out for tonight’s game? Pavel Datsyuk, who is out for at least two weeks after having knee surgery. This makes me feel just a little better about Toews being out of the lineup, honestly. (Hockeytown Beat)

Corey Crawford is back in net for the Blackhawks. (@TramyersCSN) Jimmy Howard will be backing the Red Wings. (@freepwings)

The Blackhawks have traded Rockford IceHogs captain Brandon Segal to the Lightning in exchange for “future considerations” — also known as Norfolk Admirals RW/C Matt Fornataro. (@ChrisKuc) The IceHogs are all but eliminated from AHL playoff contention for a second straight year, so expect more minor-league trades to come soon.