Moose and Roadrunners square off in Tucson
By: Manitoba Moose Staff | Published: January 10th 2017
A one-game road trip starts and ends tonight for the Manitoba Moose as they invade Tucson Arena for a battle with the Tucson Roadrunners at 8:05 p.m. CT.
Last Game
Tonight’s game won’t be the first time the Moose and Roadrunners face off, Manitoba closed out a four-game road trip on Nov. 18 in Tucson with a 5-2 loss. Darren Kramer potted his first goal of the season that night while Jimmy Lodge picked up a goal and an assist in the loss.
New Leader
Dan DeSalvo took over the Moose goal-scoring lead with his powerplay goal on Sunday vs. Iowa. With his ninth tally of the season, DeSalvo remained tied for second on the Moose in points (17) with Chase De Leo. The goal broke a run of eight straight games without a marker for DeSalvo. The Bowling Green State University product signed a professional tryout with the team earlier in the season before parlaying that into an AHL contract on Dec. 7.
Roslovic Returns
One of Manitoba’s offensive threats makes his return to the lineup tonight. Jack Roslovic re-joins the Moose after leaving for USA Hockey's World Junior Championship selection on Dec. 14. Despite missing some time, he still leads Manitoba with 19 points (8G, 11A). While he was away, Roslovic was named to the 2017 AHL All-Star Classic and won a gold medal with Team USA at the World Juniors.
Tucson’s Story
The Roadrunners come into tonight’s game on a four-game slide. Despite the skid, Tucson sits fourth in the Pacific Division with 15 wins – two behind the division leading Ontario Reign. Tucson’s powerplay has been dangerous this season, scoring 23.3 per cent of the time, ranking sixth in the AHL. Two players the Moose will need to keep an eye on are Kyle Wood and Chris Mueller. Wood leads his team with 29 points (8G, 21A) including his one assist against Manitoba on Nov. 18. Mueller is right behind Wood notching 28 points (7G, 21A), with two assists on Nov. 18.
What’s Next?
The Moose will return home and have a few days of practice this week before they open a two-game series at the MTS Centre with the Chicago Wolves on Friday Jan. 13 at 7:00 p.m. CT. For tickets to all Manitoba Moose home games, visit moosehockey.com/tickets.
