05/06/08, Hogs win second game at home 3:2 at home!

Yes, Virgina there will be a game 5 in the Wolves-IceHogs series at the Allstate Arena on Friday and dare I say it game six in Rockford on Mothers day. Tonight in stark contrast to Sundays snooze fest both teams came out ready to rock and roll. Moments into the first period the familiar sound of palpable hits as players checked each other into the boards resounded through out the arena. The crowd, 2405 strong consisted of only the most dedicated fans. The cheering from this partisan crowd produced such an amazing migraine inducing din that one would think 10,000 souls occupied the barn. The home team responded to the energy produced by the crowd adding a seventh man to each line.


First period started out ripe with promise for a hot game, however after the first 10 minutes the Wolves meters seemed to run out ending in a one goal lead by the IceHogs. Second period the Wolves were simply out played, the frame ended in a 3:0 lead for the home team. Hog players are as one fan put it are" doing more to get to the puck than we have seen before, putting their bodies on the line." She is correct the Hogs are playing like each game is their last and that attitude is one that will bring the Calder home. A third period rally by Brian Fahey and Jesse Schultz brought the score to 3:2 at 13:38 and OT seemed within sight. But a shot at a new game was not to be for the Wolves. Despite an impressive effort the seconds of the last minute of play ticked by without the puck finding the net. For the Wolves to make it past Rockford they are going to have to take it several steps higher. Staying out of the box like they did in game one is imperative, when down a man, the PK has to step up. When on the PP like the Hogs they will have to have the ganas to make every move a possibility. No more digging for the puck in corners and a simple dump and chase, the Hogs gave up on that two games ago. It is a happy thought at our dinner table that we will be cheering on and covering whoever wins this series. But please guys, as I have said before, Hogs win good, Wolves win better. However, if play keeps up like the last two games the Hoggers will deserve it more, Wolves make them earn every game! Wednesday night the Wolves showed the Hogs their bellies for 40 minutes and came away with the loss, that will only earn you first crack at tee times.

I'll say it again, this series is going a full seven games and the winner will be the first one to win in the other teams house. The Hogs have yet to win this season in the Allstate. The Wolves have a SO win to their credit in the Metro, yes Virgina, this is going to be a down to the wire series. Merry Christmas to us all!




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