After making it to the conference finals, the Rockford IceHogs have been eliminated from the AHL Calder Cup playoffs.

As a big fan of the Hogs, I really didn't know what to expect for the 2017-2018 season.

There was a new head coach coming in to run the team and several young players. That usually means it's going to be a "rebuilding year."

Add the fact the Blackhawks had a rough season, so many players were going back and forth from Rockford and Chicago. That usually impacts team chemistry.

Also, it was a very tight race in the division to actually make the playoffs.

A late-season surge pushed the IceHogs into the playoffs, which was a pleasant surprise.

Then the team got hot. They swept Chicago and Manitoba winning seven straight.

For the first time in AHL team history, they made the conference finals.

Then, they ran into a wall in the Texas Stars. Another very hot playoff team.

The Hogs dropped three straight to the Stars. They fought back and won the next two.

Unfortunately, their historic playoff run came to an end last night with a 2-1 overtime loss.

According to icehogs.com,

"Chris DiDomenico scored with just 1:34 to play in the third period to tie the game at one and force extra time, but Roope Hintz netted the game-winner with 8.5 seconds remaining in the first overtime to help the Texas Stars eliminate the Rockford IceHogs from the Calder Cup Playoffs with a 2-1 victory at H-E-B Center Monday night. The IceHogs had rebounded from a 3-0 series deficit to earn Game 6, but the Stars’ victory seals the series and sends them to Toronto to take on the Marlies in the Calder Cup Finals."

Congratulations to the Rockford IceHogs for a great season. I look forward to more next year.


Video: IceHogs Goalie Jeff Glass With Conference Finals Update

 

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