Milwaukee, WI. – The Rockford IceHogs fell in Game 5 of the Division Semifinals against the Milwaukee Admirals 4-3 in overtime, ending their season inside Panther Arena.
Rockford’s strong territorial start helped to earn Aidan Thompson a penalty shot just five minutes into the game. The rookie skated through the slot, but his shot was thwarted by Milwaukee’s Matt Murray.
Ten seconds after the save on a two-on-one rush, Joakim Kemell fed Chase De Leo off the far post who’s shot went in between the legs of Drew Commesso.
In the 2nd period, Zach Sanford scored twice in the span of 2:47. The veteran tied the game at 1-1 after receiving a feed from Brett Seney below the goal line, then touching it through Milwaukee’s Matt Murray.
The Hogs jumped on their first power play of the game seven minutes into the 2nd. Sanford finished off a passing combination with Cole Guttman and Gerry Mayhew from the bottom of the near circle to take a 2-1 lead.
Milwaukee responded off a Rockford giveaway behind Commesso moments later. Fedor Svechkov wrapped the puck into an empty net from the right of the cage to tie the game at 2-2. The Admirals grabbed the lead back with 1:06 remaining in the period with a blast from the near dot off the stick of Jesse Ylonen.
Rockford pushed in the 3rd period and found an equalizer with nine minutes to go. Ethan Del Mastro’s shot rebounded off Murray’s pads and was snapped home by Joey Anderson to bring the Hogs even at 3-3.
Milwaukee found the series winner 1:38 into OT while on the powerplay. Fedor Svechkov banged in the rebound to the right of the net to give the Admirals a Game 5 win.
Rockford hosts Game 1 of the Central Division Finals on Wednesday, May 15 at 7:00 p.m. Buy tickets here.
You must be logged in to post a comment.