PROSPECTS: IceHogs Advance to Division Semifinals vs. Chicago

ROCKFORD, Ill.-- The Rockford IceHogs advanced past the Texas Stars on Friday night with a 1-0 overtime win in Game Two to take a series sweep in the AHL's Central Division First Round. Arvid Soderblom made 36 saves in a shutout victory before Dylan McLaughlin netted the game-winner in the opening minute of the extra frame.
With the win, Rockford advances to the Central Division Semifinals, presented by BMO Harris Bank, against the Chicago Wolves. The IceHogs will host the Wolves at BMO Harris Bank Center for Game 3 and Game 4, if necessary, of the series. Games 1, 2 and, if neccessary, 5 with be played at Allstate Arena in Rosemont.

Central Division Semifinals (Best-of-Five)

(All times Central | *if necessary)
The 2022 Calder Cup Playoffs mark the third time the IceHogs and Wolves meet in the postseason after colliding in 2008 and 2018. After dispatching the Houston Aeros in the first round of their first-ever Calder Cup Playoff appearance in 2008, the IceHogs met the Wolves in the second round. After dropping the first two contests, the IceHogs rattled off wins in Games 3-5 before the Wolves fought back to take Game 6 and eventually Game 7 for the series victory.
In 2018, the IceHogs and Wolves connected in the best-of-five Central Division Semifinals, sweeping their in-state rivals out of the postseason with a thrilling triple overtime 4-3 win, the longest game in IceHogs history (117 minutes and 22 seconds).
This season, the IceHogs went 8-3-0-1 against the Wolves, including a 5-0-0-1 record at Allstate Arena, with seven of the 12 meetings decided by one goal. Forward Lukas Reichel led the IceHogs and the season series with 15 points (5G, 10A).