Since our last AHL update, the IceHogs’ season has slid firmly in the wrong direction. A 3-7-0-0 record over their last 10 games has pushed Rockford down to sixth in the Central Division with a .408 points percentage (18-27-2-2), and there’s now a noticeable gap between them and the next rung up the ladder: the Milwaukee Admirals at a .489 points percentage (20-21-2-2). This isn’t a team hovering on the playoff bubble anymore, it’s one looking up at it from a distance that really needs to get it together if they want to make a late push for a postseason spot.
A big part of that slide is the lack of offensive punch from a majority of the roster, especially the younger forwards in the lineup. Their best young player, Nick Lardis, has played in just six AHL games in the last two months while he was called up to Chicago, and there’s been little in the way of internal offense to compensate. Veterans like Brett Seney, Dominic Toninato, and Rem Pitlick are doing what they can, but they’re not built to drag an AHL roster uphill by themselves. Defensive lapses, uneven goaltending nights and more add to the downward trajectory of the IceHogs.
Saturday’s AHL Three Stars of the Night ⤵️
— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) February 15, 2026
⭐️ Dominic Toninato @goicehogs
⭐️⭐️ Nikita Tolopilo @abbycanucks
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Jaroslav Chmelar @HWPHockey pic.twitter.com/mayNERuMpX
There is at least some reason for cautious optimism, though. Rockford’s won two of three with Lardis back and the team’s shown more life in those games. Those wins came over the Admirals, too, chipping away at the gap between the two teams. That said, it’s a lot to ask of a rookie to be the emotional and offensive spark for a team this far back in the standings, and it doesn’t suddenly flip the outlook, especially since Lardis will likely be back up with the Blackhawks at some point this season.
Roses are red
— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) February 15, 2026
Violets are blue
How about an IceHogs win
From us, to you!! pic.twitter.com/mhJ3LS8e85
Note: For this report, any player under 25 at the start of the season and with an NHL contract will be considered a Blackhawks prospect. Additionally, a skater will need to have hit 10 games (exception for Lardis) and a goalie five with the IceHogs to be included.
Continue reading…