Moose welcome Roadrunners to MTS Centre
By: Manitoba Moose Staff | Published: April 7th 2017
The Manitoba Moose (26-36-5-5) open their final two-game home set of the season tonight at 7 p.m. CT when the Tucson Roadrunners (26-30-7-0) make their first ever visit to Winnipeg.
Last Game
For the second straight game, Manitoba opened the scoring on Wednesday night against the Grand Rapids Griffins. After tying things up in the second, the Griffins pushed the game to overtime where Axel Holmstrom helped the Griffins pick up a 2-1 overtime win. Jamie Phillips stood tall; making 40 saves in his 10th AHL appearance. Scott Kosmachuk’s second period goal gives him points (2G, 1A) in his last three games
Flash Back
Heading into tonight’s action, Manitoba is 0-2-0-0 vs. Tucson this season. The last meeting saw the host Roadrunners came away with a 5-2 victory. Manitoba opened up a 2-0 lead in the first 1:51 on goals from Quinton Howden and Scott Glennie. Tucson came back with five straight tallies, including a natural hat-trick from Brendan Perlini who is now with the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes.
Joining the Squad
The Manitoba Moose announced this week they have signed forwards Jansen Harkins and Michael Spacek to amateur tryouts. Drafted 47th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 2015, Harkins is in his second stint with Manitoba. In six games with the Moose last season, he registered a goal and two assists. Spacek, who is slated to make his AHL debut this weekend, was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets 108th overall in 2015. In 59 regular season games with the WHL's Red Deer Rebels this season, the 19-year-old had 85 points (30G, 55A).
Final Home Set
Tonight's game kicks off Manitoba's final two-game home series of the season. Looking back to last season, Manitoba ended their final two home games on a positive note, sweeping the Rockford IceHogs. Prior to this weekend's set, the Moose took three of a possible four points (1-0-1-0) against the Central Division leading Grand Rapids Griffins.
Tucson’s Story
The Roadrunners come into tonight’s game on a two-game slide and are 2-7-1-0 in their last 10 games. Through 63 games, the Roadrunners sit seventh in the Pacific Division. Tucson’s powerplay has been decent this season, scoring 18.6 per cent of the time, ranking 11th in the AHL. The Moose will need to keep an eye on Chris Mueller. The West Seneca, NY product has 58 points (15G, 43A) through 63 games this season.
Nic Petan Bobblehead
Fans will want to arrive early tonight’s game as first 3,000 fans inside the MTS will receive one of the exclusive Nic Petan bobbleheads. This is the second bobblehead the Manitoba Moose will give away this season. Earlier this season, Eric Comrie was honoured with his own bobblehead.
What’s Next?
The Moose put a wrap on their 2016-17 season home schedule on Sunday afternoon as the Moose host the Roadrunners for Fan Appreciation Day. For tickets to all Manitoba Moose home games, visit moosehockey.com/tickets.
