Moose open series against Monsters
By: Manitoba Moose Staff | Published: December 9th 2016
The Manitoba Moose (11-8-1-1) look to make it three wins in a row over Cleveland as they welcome the Monsters (9-11-1-1) to MTS Centre at 7:00 p.m. CT this evening.
Last Game
Manitoba enters their two-game set with Cleveland after last weekend’s (Dec. 3,4) battle against the Texas Stars. On Sunday, the Moose stormed out to an early 2-0 lead before the visitors managed to tie things up at four. Manitoba was able to break the deadlock when Dan DeSalvo (7G, 7A) scored a powerplay marker late in the third period, giving Manitoba the 5-4 edge.
Flash Back
Tonight’s game will be the third between the Moose and Monsters after Cleveland dropped both games (Nov. 3,5) earlier this season at MTS Centre. Manitoba picked up 7-3 and 5-2 wins featuring big games from a few Moose forwards. Quinton Howden has five points (3G, 2A) in the two games while Jack Roslovic was right behind him with four points (1G, 3A).
Through 20 Games
Moose blueliner Kevin Czuczman had a great series against the Monsters last month, totalling four assists. Just 21 games into his third professional season, Czuczman is poised for a career year offensively. The 25-year old has 12 points (4G, 8A) having played in every Moose game so far. He’s coming up on his previous career high of 15 points (4G, 11A) and has already matched his 74-game goal output of four last year. Czuczman needs just five more games for 150 in his career.
Cleveland’s Story
Heading into tonight’s contest the Moose and Monsters have the exact same record over their last 10 games, 5-4-1-0. While Manitoba has come up with some great victories over the stretch, including overtime and shootout triumphs, Cleveland has had a tough road to plough. Six of Cleveland’s last eight games have been against the Central Division’s top two teams in Milwaukee and Grand Rapids – picking up three wins in those matchups. The offensive production from Cleveland has been lacking as the Monsters only average 2.6 goals per games. Daniel Zaar leads the Monsters in points with 16 (5G, 11A) in 22 games.
What’s Next?
Both teams will take to the ice tomorrow afternoon (2:00 p.m. CT) at MTS Centre for the final home game before they holiday break. For tickets to all Manitoba Moose home games, visit moosehockey.com/tickets
