Players to Watch: Rockford IceHogs vs. Texas Stars (1/21/22)

Since the calendar flipped over into 2022, the Rockford IceHogs have been in a much better position than they ever were in 2021. They kicked off the new year with three straight wins, including an 8-0 beatdown over their I-90 rivals, the Chicago Wolves. 

Despite the hot start to 2022, they’ve dropped their last two games, giving up five goals in each. If there was ever a time to right the ship and get back into the win column, this weekend is it. The IceHogs have back-to-back games at home against the Texas Stars — the worst team in the Central Division.

Through 28 games, the Stars have a record of 9-14-4-1. That’s good for 23 points and seventh of seven teams in the Central. They’re 1-0-1-0 in their last two, but 2-6-2-0 in their last 10. 

To compare, the IceHogs have a record of 14-13-1-1 through 29 games. That’s good for 30 points and fourth in the Central. They’ve been fighting with the Grand Rapids Griffins for third in the division, but the Griffins currently hold that spot with more games played and won. As stated above, the IceHogs are 0-2-0-0 in their last two, but they’re 5-5-0-0 in their last ten. 

Since this is a stat that I find fun to look at, here’s the goal differential for both teams. 

• Through 28 games, the Texas Stars have allowed 109 goals while scoring 84 for a DIFF of -25. 
• Through 29 games, the Rockford IceHogs have allowed 91 goals while scoring 86 for a DIFF of -5. I must say, I was honestly surprised looking at that. Pleasantly surprised…but, surprised nonetheless.

Now that we know where the teams currently sit, I have three IceHogs to watch tonight. 

Lukas Reichel

Lukas Reichel has recently returned to Rockford after being called up to make his NHL debut. Reichel played two games for the Blackhawks. While he didn’t put up any points, he impressed with his speed, skill, and vision for the game. The IceHogs have had one game since his return — a 5-3 loss to the Chicago Wolves — but, Reichel put up one goal and one assist for two points. 

Reichel has stated that he agrees with the development plan that the Blackhawks have for him, but one has to assume that he’s ready to prove he should stay in the NHL lineup after getting a taste. He’s always a player to keep an eye on, especially now to see how his game changes and develops in his return.

Dylan McLaughlin

No Lukas Reichel? No Brandon Pirri? No problem. When Reichel was on Blackhawks duty and Pirri was out of the lineup, there was a question of who would lead the offense. The answer was Dylan McLaughlin, and he took his job seriously. McLaughlin has eight points (3g, 5a) in his last five games. If that’s not a hot streak, I don’t know what is. He started the season slow, but he’s found his game and is a player to keep your eye on. 

Isaak Phillips

This would not be a proper article written by me if there was no mention of Isaak Phillips. But there’s a good reason; Phillips is one of the best defenders on an inexperienced Rockford blue line. The average number of games played is raised only by Ryan Stanton’s longtime AHL career. It’s Isaak’s second professional season, and he’s done nothing but improve. He may not see much power play ice time (even though he should) or make the flashiest plays. Just trust me — pay attention to what happens when the opposing team tries to take the puck into #41’s defensive corner. It’s fun. 

I don’t expect you to pay close attention to every single player on the ice at all times, so I’ll only give you three at a time. I will lay out the point leaders for each team and the goaltenders for you, just in case you are a hockey nerd like me. 

Rockford IceHogs

1. Lukas Reichel: 21 Games Played, 12 Goals, 10 Assists, 22 Points
2. Dylan McLaughlin: 23 Games Played, 6 Goals, 12 Assists, 18 Points
3. Ian Mitchell: 22 Games Played, 2 Goals, 10 Assists, 13 Points
4. Evan Barratt: 26 Games Played, 5 Goals, 7 Assists, 12 Points
5. Alec Regula: 16 Games Played, 1 Goal, 11 Assists, 12 Points
6. D.J. Busdeker: 24 Games Played, 3 Goals, 8 Assists, 11 Points
7. Andrei Altybarmakian: 24 Games Played, 2 Goals, 9 Assists, 11 Points
8. Wyatt Kalynuk: 14 Games Played, 4 Goals, 5 Assists, 9 Points
9. Isaak Phillips: 23 Games Played, 3 Goals, 6 Assists, 9 Points
10. Josiah Slavin: 17 Games Played, 4 Goals, 4 Assists, 8 Points

Goalies:

• Collin Delia: 12 Games Played, 6-5-1, 2.74 GAA, .913 SV%
• Arvid Söderblom: 11 Games Played, 5-6-0, 3.23 GAA, .914 SV%

Texas Stars

1. Curtis McKenzie: 28 Games Played, 9 Goals, 11 Assists, 20 Points
2. Anthony Louis: 24 Games Played, 9 Goals, 10 Assists, 19 Points
3. Ben Gleason: 26 Games Played, 4 Goals, 13 Assists, 17 Points
4. Joel L’Esperance: 21 Games Played, 9 Goals, 6 Assists, 15 Points
5. Ty Dellandrea: 24 Games Played, 6 Goals, 8 Assists, 14 Points
6. Oskar Back: 28 Games Played, 5 Goals, 9 Assists, 14 Points
7. Fredrik Karlstrom: 27 Games Played, 5 Goals, 7 Assists, 12 Points
8. Riley Tufte: 22 Games Played, 6 Goals, 4 Assists, 10 Points
9. Josh Melnick: 24 Games Played, 6 Goals, 4 Assists, 10 Points
10. Nicholas Caamano: 25 Games Played, 5 Goals, 5 Assists, 10 Points

Goalies:

• Matt Jurusik: 5 Games Played, 2-1-1, 3.34 GAA, .894 SV%
• Adam Scheel: 10 Games Played, 2-3-3, 4.13 GAA, .868 SV%