Moose open two-game set with Rockford

For the first time this season, the Manitoba Moose (19-26-3-3) welcome the Rockford IceHogs (19-24-8-3) to MTS Centre tonight as they open a two-game set with their Central Division rival at 7 p.m. CT.

Last Game
The Moose put a cap on their six-game road trip on Saturday as they went toe-to-toe with the Toronto Marlies. It was a low scoring affair between the two clubs as the Marlies managed to score the game’s lone goal 4:35 into the third period for the eventual 1-0 win. Manitoba wasn’t shy around the net on Saturday as the team registered 37 shots with all but one member of the team picking up a shot. Brenden Kichton led the way with four. Eric Comrie made 30 saves in his 33^rd outing of the season.

Flash Back
This week marks the third and fourth meeting between the Moose and IceHogs. So far, Manitoba has come away with a loss (Dec. 17) and shootout win (Nov. 30) against Rockford. Manitoba rookie Jack Roslovic was a key contributor in the team’s win earlier in the season, picking up a goal and an assist.

Another Brief Stop
Following their second six-game road swing since Jan. 18, the Moose are back on home ice for a four-game stand. The team will only be back in Winnipeg eight days before departing on another four-game trip. Since Jan. 17, the Moose have been at home for eight of the last 33 days. That will change as the Moose will soon enjoy an eight game home stand March 9-24.

Open Fire!
With his six shots on goal during Manitoba’s weekend series in Toronto, Kevin Czuczman set a new career high in shots with 129, surpassing his 2015-16 total of 126. The London, ON product leads the Moose in shots and sits tied sixth overall amongst AHL defensemen. The third-year pro is also enjoying his most productive season with 19 points (6G, 13A) through 51 games.

Rockford’s Story
The IceHogs come to Winnipeg with points in eight of their last 10 games and sit seventh in the Central Division standings. Manitoba will hope to find the back of the net in this series as Rockford has allowed the second most goals in the league (172). Spencer Abbott is Rockford’s top scorer with 30 points (12G, 18A) through 49 games. Abbott has one assist against the Moose this season. Jeff Glass has been the main man between the pipes as of late for the Chicago Blackhawks affiliate. In his nine games with Rockford, he has a 2.31 GAA and a .919 save percentage.

What’s Next?
The two teams will be back inside the MTS Centre on Wednesday night to close out the series. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. CT. For tickets to all Manitoba Moose home games, visit moosehockey.com/tickets.