IceHogs fend off Wolves to take Game 1

Photo: Ross Dettman

Collin Delia made 31 saves and Rockford supported its rookie goalie with a pair of power-play goals in a 2-1 road victory over Chicago in Game 1 of their Central Division semifinal on Saturday.

The IceHogs host Game 2 on Sunday evening (5 p.m. ET).

Tyler Sikura and Adam Clendening scored for Rockford, which continued its winning ways after finishing the regular season on a 14-5-1-1 roll. Cody Franson assisted on both IceHogs goals.

Delia held the Wolves scoreless until Teemu Pulkkinen scored on a power play at 5:31 of the third period. It was Pulkkinen’s 23rd career Calder Cup Playoff goal and his 10th goal in 13 games against Rockford this season.

Oscar Dansk stopped 27 of 29 shots for the Wolves.

Central Division Semifinals – Series “E” (best-of-5)
C1-Chicago Wolves vs. C4-Rockford IceHogs
Game 1 – Sat., Apr. 21 – Rockford 2, CHICAGO 1
Game 2 – Sun., Apr. 22 – Chicago at Rockford, 5:00
Game 3 – Thu., Apr. 26 – Rockford at Chicago, 8:00
*Game 4 – Sun., Apr. 29 – Chicago at Rockford, 5:00
*Game 5 – Mon., Apr. 30 – Rockford at Chicago, 8:00
*if necessary… All times Eastern