FEATURE: Connection, execution leads to IceHogs success on special teams
© Todd Reicher
By
Nick Merlina / chicagoblackhawks.com
"We have done a good job," said Rockford Head Coach Jeremy Colliton. "We have to make plays given the opportunity and, on the power play especially, we are taking what is available and using the extra player we have to read their coverage, and then recognizing how we can exploit it."
Benefiting from opportunities has been the center piece of the IceHogs play this postseason, leading all active teams on the power play. In the playoffs thus far, they have scored 11 goals on 31 power-play opportunities (35.5 percent), with the next closest playoff team capitalizing on 21.1 percent of their man-advantage chances.
"We are clicking at the right time," said center Tyler Sikura, who has three postseason power-play markers. "We have so many options that we can use on that power play and every single person is dangerous with the puck. With that we have the ability to change up our power play if a team takes away an option and work another angle."
In their first-round series with the Chicago Wolves, Rockford scored multiple power-play goals in every game of the series. The squad was even on the man advantage when Victor Ejdsell buried the series-clinching goal, deep in the third overtime period, to complete the IceHogs sweep of their counterpart.
"Our power play has been crucial to our success," said veteran defenseman and key power-play weapon Cody Franson. "We've got a good level of confidence in the group out there and haven't had any changes in a while now. When you can get comfortable with people it becomes more second nature. It's a connection that doesn't call for as much communication or looking to see where people are to make a pass. It allows you to be quick in puck movement."
That connection between players has not been around the entire season for Rockford, but rather it's something they've been working toward.
"We didn't have it earlier in the year," said Rockford assistant coach Sheldon Brookbank. "Our special teams weren't producing so we just had to grind out wins with our 5-on-5. Our kill wasn't stopping anyone, and our power play wasn't scoring."
With the struggles in the regular season, resulting in the IceHogs finishing 25th in the AHL for power-play percentage (15.6 percent), there was much room for improvement.
"The power play is something we've paid a lot of attention to since I've gotten here," said Franson. "We focused on execution and moving the puck cleanly and quickly. With that we have to put ourselves in a position to capitalize on the lanes that the power play creates. With those adjustments we have been able to finish with the puck, and keep it simple, not getting too pretty."
"It is a lot about execution and knowing the players around you," added Brookbank. "People are on the same page and have gotten comfortable with each other."
On the opposite side of the special teams' spectrum, Rockford has also made monumental improvements.
The IceHogs penalty kill was ranked dead last in the league during the regular season. Now, much like their power-play percentage, they have climbed to the top of the rankings in postseason play.
"In terms of penalty kill, we have gotten progressively better as the season has gone on," said Colliton. "While the numbers may not necessarily have shown that in the regular season, we have improved and are showing that advancement during the most important time of the year, and I am proud of that."
Rockford has killed off over 90 percent of the penalties they've faced in the playoffs, with those on the ice in great position when they are down a player.
"We adjusted our coverage in order to be more aggressive," said Brookbank. "The guys really understand they don't have to chase guys out of there area anymore. They have nailed down the process of having forwards take guys into the zone and passing off to defense and then returning to their areas. We are executing at a high level and seeing success. It also helps to have great goaltending when that defense breaks down, because it will eventually happen, and Collin Delia has been there to make to the save and bail us out."
They say the key to a good penalty kill is good goaltending, and that's exactly what the IceHogs have gotten with Delia.
With the rookie in net, the kill has allowed just two power-play goals on 22 opportunities, but he returns all the praise to those playing in front of him. Having goal support helps as well.
"I think when our guys are scoring it makes me play calm," said Delia. "It gives me support and comfort to know that when we have a power play we have a great opportunity to score."
No matter if they find themselves on the advantage, or facing one, Rockford remains steadfast in belief of their special teams.
"This has been a great jolt," said Brookbank. "We feel good if we get a power play and don't worry if we are down a man. It has taken our game to another level and we feel as a team we will win games through our special teams."
