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Moose look to tame Wild - Manitoba Moose

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Moose look to tame Wild

By: Manitoba Moose Staff | Published: January 7th 2017

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After a few days away from game action, the Manitoba Moose get back to business tonight at 7:00 p.m. CT when they host the Iowa Wild in the first half of a two-game set.

Last Game
Manitoba’s last contest came on Wednesday night against their Canadian rivals, the Toronto Marlies. After the Marlies got on the board early in the first, Chase De Leo finished off a nifty move for his second goal in as many games, tying the game at one. Manitoba went ahead in the second when Scott Glennie was served a gift for his fourth of the season. But the lead was short lived when Winnipegger Brendan Leipsic scored to tie it. Despite a late goal by Scott Kosmachuk, the Marlies popped two in the third giving the Marlies a 4-3 victory.

Flash Back
This weekend’s series is the final time these two clubs will meet up this season. It has been a see-saw affair between the teams, with Manitoba’s record being 2-2-1-1 against the Wild. Goals have been hard to come by for both sides – the team’s have combined for only 21 goals over six games. Manitoba managed to snag a win in their last meeting, taking a 3-1 win in Des Moines, IA on Dec. 19.

Not in My House
Ondrej Pavelec has been nearly unbeatable at MTS Centre this season. The Kladno, Czech Republic native holds a 6-0-1 record on home ice, powered by a 2.48 goals against average and 0.925 save percentage in friendly territory. Pavelec has wins in his previous two games at home, allowing two goals on 62 shots for a 0.968 save percentage.

Iowa’s Story
The Wild enter tonight’s matchup in sixth in the Central Division - one spot behind the Moose with a .443 winning percentage. Life has been tough for the Iowa Wild since the holiday break, only picking up one win in their last five games, including a current four-game losing skid. Recently named to the AHL All-Star team, Teemu Pulkkinen leads the charge with 22 points (12G, 10A) this season. The Vantaa, Finland forward was the hero for Iowa on Nov. 22 when he scored the game’s only goal in OT to beat Manitoba 1-0. Both Iowa goalies have been sharp this year – Steve Michalek has a 2.86 GAA in his 16 starts while Alex Stalock is right behind him with a 2.92 GAA through 22 games.

What’s Next?
The Manitoba Moose close out their six game homestand tomorrow afternoon when they battle the Iowa Wild for the final time this season in a 2:00 p.m. CT puck drop. Tomorrow’s game will be a must attend for fans the as it is the Beat the Winter Blues game. The first 3,000 people inside the MTS Centre will receive an exclusive Manitoba Moose beach towel! For tickets to all Manitoba Moose home games, visit moosehockey.com/tickets.