Commesso, next up in nets behind Peter Mrazek and Arvid Söderblom, makes 27 saves to backstop Rockford to 5-1 win at Grand Rapids to even series.

Drew Commesso, one of the Blackhawks top two goalie prospects in THN's 2024 Future Watch, backstopped the AHL Rockford IceHogs to a 5-1 win over the Grand Rapids Griffins on Wednesday night in Game 2 of the teams' opening-round playoff series.

Wrapping up a solid first pro season, Commesso stopped 27 of 28 shots in his first AHL playoff appearance. Rockford tied the best-of-five series at one game apiece with the victory at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Game 3 is on Friday in Grand Rapids.

The Griffins came out with an early push on Wednesday and took a 1-0 lead at 10:52 of the first period when Austin Czarnik connected on their seventh shot off a rebound. But the 21-year-old Commesso was perfect the rest to the way, making 21 straight saves as Rockford rallied for the win.

Commesso played the three previous seasons with Boston University. He was in nets as the Terriers advanced to the NCAA Frozen Four in 2023. See following story.

Hardman With Two Goals, Assist

Mike Hardman led Rockford's attack with a two goals and an assist. Like Commesso, the 25-year-old Hardman is from the Boston area, but played at Boston College before the Blackhawks signed him as a free agent in March 2021.  

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound winger has skated in 37 NHL games with Chicago over three season, but none in 2023-24. Hardman seems on course as a career AHL player.

IceHogs defenseman Ethan Del Mastro, an AHL All-Star and a top Blackhawks prospect, tied Wednesday's game 1-all from the point 55 seconds after Czarnik conected. Del Mastro played his first two NHL games in April. 

Hardman tipped in his first goal with just one second left in the first to put Rockford ahead, 2-1.

Michal Teply connected in the second, then Hardman and Luke Philp iced it with scores in the third.

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