In addition to a Boxing Day matchup with the Chicago Wolves, the Rivermen completed their fifth three-games-in-three-days series over the past six weekends. Peoria is now 17-15-2-1 through 35 games – the most in the Western Conference. The Rivermen moved into third place in the Midwest Division and seventh in the Western Conference with 37 points.

Dec. 26 – OTL 4-3 vs. Chicago | HIGHLIGHTS
After an eight-day holiday break, the Rivermen returned to action in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Chicago Wolves on Monday at Carver Arena. Trailing 3-1 entering the third period, the Rivermen received goals from Derek Nesbitt and Tyler Shattock to force overtime. Chicago’s Jordan Schroeder scored the game-winning goal with just 47 seconds remaining in the extra period. Ben Bishop stopped 24 of 28 shots on goal while Peoria allowed Chicago to go 1-for-3 on the power play. The Rivermen were held without a power play for the first time this season.

Dec. 30 – OTW 4-3 at Grand Rapids
Cade Fairchild and Shattock both scored for Peoria in the first frame, but Grand Rapids countered with three second period goals within a span of 4:54. Down 3-2 with only 3:02 remaining in regulation, T.J. Hensick scored a power-play goal to even the score. With 11 seconds remaining in overtime, defenseman Danny Syvret scored the game winner. Peoria finished the game 1-for-4 on the power play and held Grand Rapids scoreless on three chances. Ben Bishop stopped 40 of 43 shots on goal.

Dec. 31 – W 3-2 vs. Rockford | HIGHLIGHTS
The Rivermen defeated the Rockford IceHogs for the sixth time in nine meetings this season in a 3-2 regulation victory on Saturday night. Brett Sonne, Adam Cracknell and Phil McRae each scored for Peoria while Ben Bishop won his second game in as many days with 35 saves. The game featured 102 penalty minutes including three fights and four misconducts. Peoria went 2-for-8 on the power play while Rockford finished the contest 1-for-5 on the man advantage.

Jan. 1 – W 1-0 at Milwaukee
Peoria entered the contest winless against the Admirals in five previous meetings this season but finished with a 1-0 win. Sunday’s victory marked Bishop’s fourth consecutive game played and third straight win in addition to his league-leading fifth shutout this season. Bishop saved all 18 shots on goal in the win while Milwaukee’s Atte Engren stopped 28 of 29. Peoria finished the contest 1-for-4 on the power play and held the opposition scoreless on two opportunities.

Rivermen Report

• With Jake Allen on loan to Team Canada for the duration of the Spengler Cup, veteran goaltender Ben Bishop played in all four Rivermen games this week. He is currently tied for second in wins (15) and ranks second in saves (752), third in save percentage (.930) and minutes (1427:26), seventh in GAA (2.23) and leads the league in shutouts (5). Prior to the 2011-12 campaign, Bishop registered just three career AHL shutouts in 121 games with the Rivermen.
• T.J. Hensick continues to lead the Western Conference in points and assists with 40 and 29, respectively. He also finished with 84 points (26g, 58a) in the 2011 calendar year, good for third best in the AHL.
• Rookie defenseman Cade Fairchild continues to lead the league in plus-minus at +21.
• Sophomore forward Tyler Shattock has scored three goals in his last seven games. He has now scored five goals this season, two more than he scored in 67 games last season.
• Both the Rivermen power play (20.5%) and penalty kill (83.2%) rank in the top ten in the AHL this season.

Transactions

• Dec. 26 – Chris Bruton (RW), Maury Edwards (RW) and David McKee (G) signed to PTO
• Dec. 26 – Adam Cracknell (RW) recalled from loan by St. Louis (NHL)
• Dec. 31 – Adam Cracknell (RW) returned on loan from St. Louis (NHL)

The Rivermen return to the ice Friday, January 6 against the Chicago Wolves at 7 p.m. at Carver Arena.