by Madisen Krapf
For the second straight year, the Admirals staged a dramatic comeback in the first round by rallying from an early 0-2 deficit. This season, they faced a talented, diverse roster in the Rockford IceHogs.
After falling in the first two games at home, the Admirals were tested in enemy territory, ultimately winning the next two in Rockford. They topped the series off at home, securing their spot in round two in a 4-3 OT win.
A key cog against the IceHogs was defenceman Marc Del Gaizo, who has won a playoff series for four straight seasons as an Admiral. Tacking five points in the five-game stretch, Del Gaizo put his best foot forward through his leadership and versatility on the ice.
Reflecting on the team’s early struggles, Del Gaizo acknowledged the shift in mentality that was needed after the back-to-back home losses.
“I thought we were just flat and didn’t play well,” Del Gaizo said. “We’ve been down 0-2 before here, so just get our energy back up and put our best foot forward.”
Despite narrowly clinching a playoff spot, Rockford quickly proved their worth and presented a strong defensive challenge to the division champions.
“Those were really good offensive players who go to the net and have good shots and finish when they get the opportunity,” Del Gaizo said.
Del Gaizo elaborated by noting how Rockford’s aggressive offensive approach forced the Admirals to make key defensive adjustments as the series progressed.
“They were really good at just centering pucks and getting pucks toward the crease,” Del Gaizo said. “That’s something that we adjusted throughout the series; being more aware of guys in front of the net, getting sticks, boxing some guys out earlier.”
As the series tightened, it was apparent that closing things out would require more than solid defensive play, particularly in the pressure filled atmosphere of game five. Del Gaizo’s leadership and playmaking abilities served as the driving factor through the final stretch.
“I don’t think we played our best game in game five,” Del Gaizo said. “I was kind of just trying to spark something, get up the ice, get pucks in that make plays, kind of just spark the group, and it’s something that I take pride in.”
The division semifinals were more than just a challenge. It gave the younger, less experienced players a chance to grow, gain confidence and better understand the intensity of playoff hockey. That experience will be crucial as the team prepares for the next series.
“I think hopefully we’re a little bit more battle-tested,” Del Gaizo said. “Our guys that haven’t had much playoff experience and now understand how hard it is, and it’s important to start the series on the right note.”
With a taste of playoff hockey now behind each player and the group as a collective, the team is prepared to face the inevitable challenge and competitiveness of the next round against a talented Texas Stars roster.
