Moose and Marlies do battle at MTS Centre
By: Manitoba Moose Staff | Published: January 3rd 2017
It’s an all-Canadian matchup at the MTS Centre this evening as the Manitoba Moose (13-12-3-2) host the Toronto Marlies (13-15-1-1) for the first half of a two-game set at 7:00 p.m. CT.
Last Game
Manitoba started 2017 in the win column on Sunday (Jan. 1) as they skated to a swift 4-1 victory over fellow Central Division foes, the Charlotte Checkers. It was offense by committee in the win as Patrice Cormier, Brendan Lemieux, Scott Kosmachuk and Brandon Tanev found the back of the net. Ondrej Pavelec was strong between the pipes making 26 saves – giving him a 5-0-1 record on home ice.
Flash Back
This is the first time this season the Marlies have made the trip to Winnipeg, but the Moose have already invaded Toronto’s Ricoh Coliseum. Manitoba and Toronto squared off for two game set on Oct. 22, 23 - a tough weekend for the Moose. In the opening matchup, Kevin Czuczman potted his first goal of the campaign as the Moose lost 4-2. The second game featured a 30-save performance by Pavelec in a 4-0 loss.
Powerful Powerplay
After being quiet on the man advantage, the Manitoba powerplay has been a threat in their last few games. The Moose potted one powerplay marker on Dec. 31 vs. Charlotte and two on Sunday as they wrapped up their series with the Checkers. Manitoba’s surging powerplay now sits at 17.1 per cent, good for fifth in the Central Division. Scott Kosmachuk’s powerplay goal on Sunday was his third with the extra attacker this season, giving him six PP points (3 G, 3A) in 19 games. Manitoba’s powerplay should get their chances tonight as Toronto has the ninth most penalty minutes in the AHL with 480.
Toronto’s Story
After a hot start to the year, the Marlies find themselves on a three-game slide and losers in five of their last six games. The skid has them fourth in the North Division – 12 points behind the top ranked Syracuse Crunch. Despite being littered with offensive talent, Toronto only averages 2.76 goals per game. Speaking of their talent, Winnipegger Brendan Leipsic leads the Marlies with 29 points (8G, 21A) in 24 games while Kasperi Kapenen is right behind him with 27 points (14G, 13A). The Marlies have number of solid options between the pipes – Toronto currently has four goalies on their roster including Jonas Enroth, Garrett Sparks, Jeff Glass and Karri Ramo.
What’s Next?
The two teams will be back on the ice for the rematch tomorrow night (Jan. 4) at the MTS Centre as the Moose and Marlies square off in a 7:00 p.m. CT puck drop. For tickets to all Manitoba Moose home games, visit moosehockey.com/tickets
