PREVIEW: Last Pass at the Griffins
By: Manitoba Moose Staff | Published: February 17th 2018
Tonight, the Manitoba Moose (32-12-4-3) take on the Grand Rapids Griffins (27-18-1-6) in the rivals’ eighth and final meeting of the season. The Calder Cup Champions are one of the few teams the Moose have struggled against this season, going 2-4-1-0 in the seven meetings with the Griffins, so far, this campaign. Tickets are available at moosehockey.com/tickets/, or you can catch tonight’s 7 p.m. (CT) puck drop on TSN1290, with Steve Schuster calling the game.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Looking at Manitoba's recent records shows a distinct difference between results at home and on the road. In their last 10 road games, the Moose feature a 7-1-1-1 record away from Bell MTS Place, and have outscored the opposition 36-22. On home ice, Manitoba is 3-7-0-0 in its last 10 games while being outscored by a 21-31 count. Overall, the Moose are 20-5-2-1 on the road and 12-7-2-2 at home this season with a +42 goal differential on the road versus a +16 differential at home.
GOALTENDING DEPTH
Manitoba's goaltending has been a strength this season, and that trend is continuing with Jamie Phillips carrying the workload. The Caledonia, ON product has made three straight starts while stopping 110 of 116 shots against for a 0.948 SV% in those contests. Overall, Phillips has a 2-2-1 record with a 2.11 GAA and a 0.942 SV%. Moose goaltenders haven't allowed more than three goals in the last 10 games (Comrie - six games, Phillips – three games, Hutchinson - one game).
CLUTCH PERFORMERS
Mason Appleton continues to lead AHL rookies with 46 points (16G, 30A) in 51 games. He's also tied for the rookie lead, and second in the league, with six game-winning goals on the season. Second to Appleton on the Moose is Chase De Leo, who has four game winning goals on the season. De Leo's game winners account for nearly half of his nine-goal total this season.
LINEUP BOLSTERED
Only five players in the top-20 of the AHL's penalty minutes list have over 20 points, and three of them play for the Moose. Patrice Cormier has the most points of any player with 70 or more penalty minutes, racking up 34 points (19G, 15A) and 91 PIMs. Brendan Lemieux leads the Moose, and is sixth in the AHL, with 94 PIMs. The second-year pro also has 28 points (12G, 16A) in 31 games. Rounding out the trio is JC lipon who has 21 points (10G, 11A) and 79 PIMs to his name. The Moose are sixth in the AHL with 736 penalty minutes and are second in the league with 180 goals.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Moose are back on the ice Monday afternoon (Feb. 19) for a 2 p.m. (CT) game against Milwaukee. Monday’s matchup is also Super Hero Day, so fans are encouraged to dress up, and authentic DC Comics characters Batman and Wonder Woman will be in attendance. The day will be fun for the whole family, so head to moosehockey.com/tickets/ to get your tickets.
