After opening the season with two straight losses, the Peoria Rivermen earned three out of four possible points this week to get back on course.

Oct. 17 – OTL 2-1 at Chicago - HIGHLIGHTS
The Rivermen earned their first point of the season Wednesday night in a 2-1 overtime loss to the Chicago Wolves (Vancouver Canucks) at Allstate Arena. T.J. Hensick scored a power-play goal at 12:40 of the third period to even the game, and ultimately send the contest to overtime. Derek Nesbitt and Jaden Schwartz earned assists on Hensick’s first goal of the year. Zach Miskovic scored the game winner at 2:59 of overtime to send the Rivermen home without a win. Jake Allen stopped 24 shots while Chicago goaltender Matt Climie made 30 saves in his third win of the short season. Both teams scored one power-play goal on five opportunities.

Oct. 19 – W 2-1 vs. Rockford - HIGHLIGHTS
Friday night at Carver Arena, the Rivermen won their home opener 2-1 against the Rockford IceHogs (Chicago Blackhawks) in front of 6,759 fans. The game between Midwest Division rivals included three fights and saw the line of Schwartz, Hensick, and Nesbitt combine for 5 points (2G, 3A). Peter LeBlanc scored the first tally to give Rockford an early lead at 1:57 of the first period. Hensick evened the affair with his second goal in as many games at the 12:40 mark of the second frame. Schwartz scored his first AHL goal with 3:47 remaining in the second period to give the Rivermen their first lead of the evening. Allen made 29 saves in his first win of the year while Rockford's Carter Hutton also had a strong night, stopping 32 of the 34 shots he faced.

Rivermen Notes

• After being held off the board on opening night, rookie Jaden Schwartz has picked up a point (1G, 2A) in three straight games.
• After allowing 10 goals on 47 shots in his first two games (0.787 save percentage), Jake Allen has allowed just three goals on 55 shots (0.945 sv%) in his last two starts.
• Ian Cole’s fight on Friday night (vs. Peter LeBlanc) was just the second of his AHL career and third of his professional career. His only other AHL fight came on Jan. 5, 2011 vs. Ryan Weston of San Antonio.
• In three of their first four games, the Rivermen have outshot their opponents. They currently have a total of six goals on 109 shots.
• Next Friday will be T.J. Hensick’s 250th AHL game. He has collected 273 points (83G, 190 A) during his AHL career.
• Peoria’s game on Friday will be their second of a season-long six-game homestand that runs all the way until Nov. 3.

The Rivermen will play host to the Chicago Wolves on Friday, and the Charlotte Checkers Saturday and Sunday. Games can be heard on CD Country 107.9 FM. For game updates follow @rivsgameday on Twitter.