On Sunday afternoon while the majority of people on the southside of Chicago were channeling their .1% of Irish heritage at the Southside Irish Parade, this guy felt the need to channel his 1% Canadian heritage and take in the Rockford IceHogs vs. Chicago Wolves at Allstate Arena. While it got off to a disappointing start, it actually turned into a very entertaining game.
The disappointing start, can actually be attributed to the lineup decision by the Chicago Wolves to scratch Ben Eager. I mean, how could coach John Anderson scratch a guy like Eager, who has that Cup leadership every team desires? Anyway, despite that disappointing news, Anderson and the Wolves made up for it by starting Adam Burish. Lineup decisions aside, the Wolves decided to do their best Minnesota/Iowa Wild impression by donning special St. Patrick's Day jerseys. What a disaster those are. As bad as the green Blackhawks jerseys are, these ones were 100 times worse.
I'm not going to recap the game, instead I'll point out a few players and how I thought they played.
Antti Raanta - Its hard to say that a goalie who gave up three goals played good, but he did. Granted the IceHogs defense was stellar for 59 of the 60 minutes, but Raanta had no chance on the final two Wolves goals in the final minute of the game. On the Wolves second goal, Raanta had to deal with a pile of bodies in the crease and was down and out. Just 15 seconds later, another defensive breakdown resulted in the Wolves closing the gap to within one. Overall, for a goalie who is now a sporatic starter, I didn't have any complaints with his game.
Mark McNeill - McNeill had a very noticeable game, unlike the last time I saw the IceHogs play. Yes, he found his way on the scoresheet with an empty net goal, but overall he had numerous chances. In my opinion McNeill looks like he is NHL ready, but I'd really like to see how he progresses in the offseason and during training camp.
Phillip Danault - Overall Danault had a so-so type of game on Sunday. He did record an assist on the Hogs first goal by the Manshitter, but he also took a lazy tripping penalty that gave the Wolves a 5 on 3 power play. Despite getting a taste of the NHL earlier this season with the Hawks, I'd throw him in the same category as McNeill. Either way, I'm looking forward to seeing these two after camp next season.
Spencer Abbott - Last time I went to an IceHogs/Wolves game, Spencer Abbott wasn't apart of the IceHogs as he was acquired just before the trade deadline. Despite Gate calling him an "AHL Lifer" I have to say I was impressed with him. His goal was a result of a great individual effort in picking off a pass, then danced around defenders, and roofed a backhander for what should have been a highlight reel goal.
Ville Pokka - Pokka is a great example of what could be a good NHL career. He's still a work in progress, but he could also potentially see some time next year. On Sunday, he let a cannon of a shot go from the point, and the Manshitter was able to redirect it in. His skating looked good, but he can use some work when it comes to awareness, but that's what is expected.
Keith Seabrook - For someone who just returned to hockey this past year and was playing in just his second game with the IceHogs, Seabrook was very noticeable on the ice. His positioning and awareness was good for the most part. The aspect I'd like to see him improve on in the offseason is his skating. Again, as I said before, I don't expect Seabrook to play with the Blackhawks, but if it makes older brother Brent happy, and happy enough to take a hometown discount when his contract is up following the 2015-16 season, then I'm all for it.
Trevor van Riemsdyk - To see TVR back on the ice this season is a great thing to see. However after watching him yesterday, I'd hope everyone has realistic expectations for his return. TVR definitely showed signs of rust. He looked like he was missing the extra jump to his skating he had before his injury. He also was a bit hesitant and passive with the puck. All of which is expected as he is just returning, but if you're expecting him to be the same player he was before the injury, you're going to be mistaken. I'd expect him to return to somewhat of form next year after a summer of training in the offseason.
My final thought on the game is, as a result of their win, the IceHogs won the Illinois Lottery Cup, which means, I cannot wait to get some championship swag.
