Rockford IceHogs expect much tougher test in conference finals
It appears the Rockford IceHogs have found the perfect formula for success in the Calder Cup playoffs.
• Start with unselfish NHL veterans like Cody Franson and Lance Bouma.
• Mix in some talented up-and-comers like John Hayden, David Kampf, Gustav Forsling and Carl Dahlstrom.
• Pour in a steady batch of talented youngsters like Matthew Highmore, Victor Ejdsell, Luke Johnson, Tyler Sikura, Darren Raddysh and Collin Delia.
And voilà!
Just like that, you sweep your first two Calder Cup playoff opponents and now you're preparing for the conference finals.
"I think we have dressed 10 rookies and three second-year guys in the playoffs," said Rockford coach Jeremy Colliton. "For them to play (this) deep will be huge for them later on. They've really performed well. …
"A lot of that credit needs to go to how our older guys have set the tone in the room. We're calm. We're patient. Play under control. Don't get too high, don't get too low.
"And that's what you need to win at this time of year."
Rockford, which has won its seven playoff games by a combined 29-13 score, now takes on a Texas Stars squad that Colliton said has a ton of speed and plays "at a really high pace." Games 1 and 2 are at Texas on Friday and Saturday.
Colliton expects a hard-fought best-of-seven series that doesn't figure to end with Rockford pulling out the brooms for a third straight time.
"They're going to be a big challenge for us. And I love it," Colliton said. "We want to be tested. That's what brings the best out of you, is to be pushed.
"We're going to have to find a different level than we have the first two rounds."
That may be true, but it would also behoove Texas to learn from Chicago and Manitoba, and not give the IceHogs six power-play opportunities a game. Led by the lethal first unit of Franson, Clendening, Johnson, Sikura and Chris Didomenico, Rockford went an astounding 15-for-40 on the man advantage in the first two rounds.
That 37.5-percent clip is nearly twice as good as the next-best playoff team.
"That's a testament to Jeremy to be honest with you. He wanted to stack one unit," said Franson, who has 10 power-play goals in 44 games since being assigned to Rockford in January. "He's (also) picked my brain quite a bit and I think that's a smart thing to do as a coach. …
"There's nobody that knows the feel of the game more than the guys playing it."
One huge advantage for Rockford is 11 players suited up at least eight times in the NHL this season. (Only two players from Texas can say the same).
The Stars, however, had very little roster turnover and that might work to their advantage.
Still, Colliton's team is 21-5-2 since Feb. 23, and knows it can come back no matter the score or time of game. Now - with the lights getting a bit brighter - it's just a matter of not losing focus.
And continuing to embrace the pressure, rather than fold under it.
"You feel pressure because it's difficult to play this deep into a season," Colliton said. "You don't get the chance to win a championship every year. … But it's a good pressure.
"You've got to want to be the best. You've got to love to be in these situations. And I think we have a group that does."
Calder Cup playoffs
Rockford IceHogs vs. Texas Stars (best-of-seven series)
G1 Friday: at Texas, 7 p.m.
G2 Saturday: at Texas, 5 p.m.
G3 Tuesday: at Rockford, 7 p.m.
G4 Thursday: at Rockford, 7 p.m.
x-Game 5 Friday, May 25: at Rockford, 7 p.m.
x-Game 6, Monday, May 28: at Texas, 7 p.m.
x-Game 7, Tuesday, May 29: at Texas, 7 p.m.
x - if necessary