Grand Rapids, MI – In a stellar repeat performance of Saturday’s overtime win in Michigan, goaltender Matt Tomkins recorded a career-high 46 saves and forward Dylan McLaughlin scored the game-winning goal and picked an assist as the Rockford IceHogs (5-8-1-0) took down the Grand Rapids Griffins (6-3-2-0) 2-1 in overtime at Van Andel Arena Tuesday evening.
Tomkins’ previous career-high 42 saves came in Saturday’s 2-1 OT win at Grand Rapids and McLaughlin buried the game-winning goal also.
Griffins forward Chase Pearson opened the scoring midway through the first period, capitalizing on a turnover and tipping in his second goal of the season past IceHogs goalie Matt Tomkins (W, 46 saves on 47 shots) at 10:24.
The IceHogs responded early in the second period as forward Gabriel Gagne banked in his first goal of the season past Griffins keeper Calvin Pickard (OTL, 20 saves on 22 shots) at 1:15. McLaughlin and defenseman Cody Franson added assists.
Tomkins and the IceHogs defense held the Griffins back in the third period for force overtime for the second consecutive game.
In the extra skate, McLaughlin repeated his performance from Saturday with the game-winning goal 19 seconds into overtime to seal the victory. The IceHogs now have three overtime wins over their last four contests dating back to March 7 vs. Iowa.
The IceHogs finished the game 0-for-3 on the power play while the Griffins went 0-for-5.
The Rockford IceHogs head home to BMO Harris Bank Center to take on the Iowa Wild on Friday, March 19 and Saturday, March 20 at 6:00 p.m. During pregame warmups on Friday and Saturday, each Rockford IceHogs player will wear the name of a healthcare hero or frontline worker in the Rockford community on their jersey nameplate as a special tribute to Rockford-area healthcare heroes.
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