If there is one thing I love about playoff hockey it is the weather, often the biggest question of the day is do you dress for the weather outside the arena 70-80 degrees or the 60+ degrees inside? Ah, playoff hockey where even Chilly Willy is wearing only a tee shirt or a camisole under her jersey. In this playoff series pegging the Rockford Ice Hogs against the Wolves, jersey? Which jersey? That was the second question, as long time readers of this and it's sister blog Patrick Kissane's "Sit down and Shut Up" will know we have been loyal followers of the UHL Rockford Ice Hogs for several years. What sweater indeed, Wolves or Hawgs? Kissane in his usual diplomatic way had the answer, he would wear the classic Hogs "Hammer" sweater and I my Wolves. I can tell you we got some reactions that ran the gamete from surprised to hostile from the Wolves boosters that had no idea we were of mixed loyalties. However the usual suspects from Rockford in attendance who for the last few years had partied, cheered and loved the UHL Hogs with us did not seemed troubled at all. In fact we have an invitation for a pre game dinner on Sunday- Thanks Elvis and Elvis Fan! Somehow I doubt pork will be on the menu though.
The game itself started without any of the predicted fisticuffs in the pregame skate, just the usual photo ops and warm ups. During the first period both teams stayed on their own games and seemed very well matched. Smart money says this series will hinge on just a few things, the stat whores have been analyzing feverishly and basically these teams are beautifully matched with the Wolves having a slight edge on the PP. It will come down to in my humble opinion staying out of the penalty box,heart and a bit of dumb luck. Last night the Wolves showed more discipline in the second and third periods earning them more goals and less time in the box. The sole Rockford goal came late in the third period as part of a last ditch effort to avoid a shut out. This series is going to be a long one, game 2 is 7:00 Saturday night at the Allstate. All I wish for is great hockey, with no injuries. If Rockford wins good, if Wolves win better!
Powderhornhockey
Powderhornhockey
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