Moose set to close series vs. San Jose

The Manitoba Moose (25-35-4-5) wrap up their California swing this evening as they look to close their season series on a high note with the San Jose Barracuda (40-14-2-5) tonight at 9 p.m. CT.

Last Game
The Barracuda scored three times in the second period, providing all the offence Troy Grosenick would need as the San Jose netminder picked up his 10th shutout of the season, winning 3-0 over the Moose. At the other end, Eric Comrie posted 27 saves in a losing effort.

Flash Back
Tonight’s game marks the fourth and final meeting between the Moose and Barracuda this season. Prior to last night’s game, the two teams clashed in early February at MTS Centre with San Jose taking both matchups. Manitoba made things interesting in the second game with three third period goals to put San Jose on ropes, but they hung on for the eventual 5-4 win. Kyle Connor and Quinton Howden both have two goals in two games against San Jose.

Welcome Additions
Throughout the season, eight players on tryouts (professional or amateur) have registered points for the Moose. Those players have combined for 43 points (19G, 24A) in 92 total games. The bulk of those go to Scott Glennie who has played 45 games on a professional tryout, posting 20 points (7G, 13A). Dan DeSalvo played 11 games on a tryout, racking up 14 points (7G, 7A) before signing an AHL contract with the Moose. Francis Beauvillier (2G), Darcy Murphy (1G, 1A), Jake Kulevich (2A), Nolan Zajac (1G), Rob Flick (1G) and Kale Kessy (1A) round out the players registering a point on tryouts.

Bouncing Back
Despite being shut out on Friday, the Moose hope to continue a trend they developed in March. Following the five games Manitoba was held to two or less goals, the Moose rebounded four times to score three or more goals – earning a victory in two of those contests. Their most recent turnaround came on Tuesday when the Moose broke out for five goals against Bakersfield after being held to one goal by Milwaukee on Mar. 24.

San Jose’s Story
The Barracuda come into tonight’s matchup having clinched a playoff spot and are sitting comfortably atop the Pacific Division. San Jose is enjoying a productive season at both ends of the ice. They’re seventh in goals for across the league with 211 and are first in goals against – only allowing 157 goals in 61 contests. First year forward, Daniel O’Reagan leads San Jose’s offense with 54 points (21G, 33A) in 57 games. Barracuda netminder, Troy Grosenick has some of best numbers in the league, as he is second in both GAA and save percentage at 2.03 and 0.929 per cent. Grosenick has 28 wins this season.

What’s Next?
Following tonight’s game, the Moose head back to Winnipeg to kick off their final home stand of the season. It all starts on Tuesday night against the Grand Rapids Griffins at 7 p.m. CT followed by a rematch on Wednesday night. Listen to all Manitoba Moose road games on moosehockey.com/listenlive. Tune in 15 minutes before to hear the pre-game show for all your latest Moose news.