Chops take bite out of Hogs

The Iowa Chops took a 4-3 bite out of the Rockford IceHogs in action at the Wells Fargo Arena of Des Moines, Ia. last night. The Hogs started strong, putting eleven shots on the Chops, finally culminating in a goal by Mike Radja mid-way in the first period. The Iowa blog describes a “nasty” first period fight between Brennan Turner and Ryan Donally. This is one of the best play-by-play blogs out there in the West Division. However, the Chops returned in the second part of the period, evening up the shots on goal. A long power play by the Hogs was unable to score, as they received a 5:4 advantage for 2:21, before they gave up a pair of penalties for two 5:4 power plays to end the period.

In the second frame, T.J. Trevelyan scored on the starting power play a minute into the period, followed at the 8:27 mark by a turnover goal again by Trevelyan. The IceHogs managed to tie the game 27 seconds later on a goal by Nathan Davis. But the period ended in a disaster for the Rockford team as Niemi gave up two goals in the last minute of play.

In the final frame, Corey Crawford substituted for Antti Niemi. During a power play, Trevelyan blasted Crawford, attempting to get his hat trick. However, it was Pascal Pelletier who found the back of the net instead, putting Rockford within one of the Chops. In the final ten minutes, a Rockford power play and an empty net gave a 6:4 advantage to the Hogs for 2:04. David LeNeveu made some highlight efforts, according to the Iowa blog, to hold the line. LeNeveu stopped 25 shots on goal. Niemi recorded 17 saves while Crawford recorded seven. The Rockford power play went 0 for 6 on the night.

Mike Radja had six shots on goal for the evening, while Danny Groulx and Pascal Pelletier had five each. Davis had a goal and an assist while Groulx marked two points on the evening.

In Milwaukee, last night, Hugh Jessiman had a power play goal, an even strength goal and an empty net goal for a hat trick. The Milwaukee Admirals spanked the Quad City Flames 4-0 in the win. In other news, the Chicago Blackhawks recalled Niklas Hjalmarsson, a blue liner, from the IceHogs.