Third-period attack proves too much to counter

ROCKFORD, Ill. – The Milwaukee Admirals stayed right with Rockford for two periods on Sunday, but the IceHogs took charge midway through the third period and hung on to win, 2-1, at the BMO Harris Bank Center.

The game was scoreless until IceHogs center Sam Carrick broke the deadlock 8 minutes 34 seconds into the final period for his 11th goal of the season. IceHogs left wing Brandon Mashingter was credited with the assist.

The Admirals were able to kill a 4-minute high-sticking penalty by Kevin Fiala, but Rockford expanded the lead in the final minute of the game with an empty-netter by right wing Jeremy Langlois after the Admirals pulled goalie Jonas Gunnarsson for an extra attacker with 26 seconds left.

Milwaukee was finally able to get on the board when defenseman Trevor Murphy scored an unassisted goal, but it proved too little, too late with only 9.6 seconds left.

Gunnarsson, making his first start since Jan. 10, had a strong night in the net, saving 29 of 30 shots on goal. But Rockford goalie Mac Carruth was equally sharp in stopping 25 of 26 pucks sent his way.

Coach Dean Evason’s Admirals return to action when they host the San Antonio Rampage at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena.

Milwaukee 0 0 1 — 1 Rockford 0 0 2 2

First period — No scoring. Penalties — MIL, Granberg (holding), 3:38.

Second period — No scoring. Penalties — RFD, Carrick (high-sticking), 3:12.

Third period — 1, RFD, Carrick (Mashinter), 8:34. 2, RFD, Langlois (Motte), 19:40 (PP). 3, Milwaukee, Murphy, 19:51. Penalties — MIL, Fiala (high-sticking), 12:34; MIL, Kamenev (unsportsmanlike conduct - abuse of officials), 18:24. SAVES Gunnarsson, MIL 12 11 6 — 29 Glass, RFD 4 8 13 — 25 Shots — MIL 4-8-14—26; RFD 12-11-8—31. Penalties / minutes — MIL 5 for 18; RFD 2 for 4. Power plays — MIL 0 for 2; RFD 1 for 4. A— 4,995. T — 2:31.