Magnus Hellberg stood strong in an intense battle between division rivals to give the Ads the 2-1 win over the Rockford Icehogs Saturday night at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. This is the Ads third win over the Icehogs just this season and they have won the last eight consecutive games they’ve matched.
The Icehogs took an early lead at 6:45 into the first. Hellberg was unable to stop a shot from Teuvo Teravainen from the far circle. Garrett Noonan tied it up late into the second period. After a wild scramble, Noonan was able to find the back of the net, beating Scott Darling stick side at 16:13.
With Triston Grant posted in front of the Rockford net, Joe Piskula took a shot from the right point and scored to give the Ads the lead half way into the third and the 2-1 win over the Icehogs.
Admirals Captain, Joe Piskula, scored the game-wining goal tonight, his first of the season. Hellberg is now 5-0 this season.
“That’s a good hockey team and Magnus definitely played great,” said Dean Evason. “We weren’t very good today. He kept us in the game. He allowed us to find our legs after the first period. I think that’s a very fair assessment that he has played as good as they’ve [Rockford] played.”
“Its’ always nice to get a win. I try and make the most of it every time. I feel good right now,” said Hellberg.
Hellberg’s hot streak is rubbing off on the rest of the team as well.
“He’s been unbelievable,” said Piskula. “Coming in as the number two goalie and just finding the confidence to play well, that’s huge for him and huge for our team to have a confident goalie behind you. That makes your whole team confident and elevates the whole team’s game.
The Admirals will battle Amtrak rival, the Chicago Wolves, for the fourth time this season this Friday, November 21st at 7pm at the BMO Harris Bradley Center.
