PROSPECTS: Rockford division finals preview

OVERVIEW
The fourth-seeded Rockford IceHogs are set to face off with the three-seeded Manitoba Moose in the Central division final of the Calder Cup Playoffs. The two American Hockey League squads faced each other four times in the 2017-18 regular season, with Rockford going 2-1-1 against the Moose.
Manitoba holds the edge in goals in those four matchups with the IceHogs, scoring 17 to Rockford's 12. The IceHogs enter the division finals following a sweep of the one-seeded Chicago Wolves in the first round, which was only the second sweep the team has completed successfully in franchise history.
Manitoba enters after a full five-game series against the two-seeded Grand Rapids Griffins, winning a deciding Game 5 away from home ice 5-1.

ROCKFORD KEYS TO THE MATCHUP
Special teams:
The IceHogs performed incredibly on special teams in the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs. Following their sweep of the Chicago Wolves, they rank first among all playoff teams in power-play goals (7) and power-play percentage (38.9 percent). They are also third in power-play opportunities (18) and fourth in penalty-kill percentage (85.7 percent).
Rockford scored multiple power-play goals in each of their three playoff games and have scored 20 goals on the man advantage in their past 16 outings, dating back to the regular season.
Rockford's man advantage could get opportunities often, as Manitoba gave up 19 power-play opportunities in their first-round series and have five players in the top 10 for penalty minutes still active in the playoffs. Manitoba's first-round opponent, the Griffins, capitalized on those chances with four power-play goals over five games.
Streaking scorers:
Chis DiDomenico, Adam Clendening and Cody Franson have all recorded at least one point in all of their playoff games through the first round. DiDomenico has five points (2G, 3A) in three games and led all skaters in points in Rockford's triple overtime, series-clinching victory over the Wolves with a goal and two helpers. Clendening had five points (1G, 4A) in the opening series against Chicago, giving him the most by a defenseman in the AHL postseason. Franson is tied for the second-most points by a defenseman still in the playoffs with four (1G, 3A).
Dominant Delia:
Blackhawks goalie prospect Collin Delia has posted an impressive stat line through his first three games of playoff action. Delia's 1.52 goals against average is the best among netminders that have played in three or more Calder Cup games. The rookie also has a streak of his own, earning points in 15 of his last 16 tilts dating back to February, 18, with a 13-1-2 record over that stretch. Delia has stopped 111 of the 117 shots he has faced during his 236:20 between the pipes so far. Delia also leads a defense that shares the playoff lead for 2.00 goals against per game.
RELATED: Q and A: Collin Delia
Ejdsell's arrival:
Rookie Victor Ejdsell found opportune moments to tally his first two goals in the AHL during the IceHog's triple overtime victory to clinch the sweep of the Wolves. In the second period, Ejdsell would break a 2-2 tie between the Central Division teams with his first score since beginning his time in the league. He went on to break another tie, as the game looked like it was approaching a fourth overtime, to advance the IceHogs to the division finals. Ejdsell now has four points (2G, 2A) in the Calder Cup Playoffs.
RELATED: Q and A: Victor Ejdsell
Rookie firepower:
Rockford boasts an impressive roster of young talent, including a trio of forwards that all have spots on the league's rookie scoring sheet. Matthew Highmore, who led the IceHogs in goals in the regular season (24), was also fourth among league rookies in the same category. Anthony Louis, who was Rockford's leading point scorer this year (44), shared the 10th spot in the AHL for points scored as a rookie. Highmore (43) is tied for 12th among rookie point scorers and Tyler Sikura (39) shares 17th.
THREE OPPONENTS TO WATCH
Chase De Leo, LW - The Moose winger is a major reason why his team is still competing in the playoffs, picking up seven points through the first round. His five assists in the Calder Cup Playoffs tie him for the second most of all skaters. De Leo, who only registered 12 goals in 69 regular-season games, is +5 through five playoff games this season.
Cameron Schilling, D - Manitoba's leading defensive scorer has posted four points (2G, 2A) in the playoffs and sits tied with Franson for second most among defenseman in the postseason. Schilling, who recorded 32 points (6G, 26A) and a +25 in 71 regular-season games, will look to add to the one game-winning goal he has already recoded in the Calder Cup Playoffs.
Eric Comire, G - The netminder enters the second-round matchup with Rockford after accounting for a 2.82 goals against average against Grand Rapids. Comire has a .922 save percentage through five starts in the postseason and stopped 153 of the 166 shots he faced in round one.