PREVIEW: Chicago Chasing
By: Manitoba Moose Staff | Published: February 25th 2018
The Manitoba Moose (34-14-4-3) have had success against the Chicago Wolves (27-18-6-2) this season. Manitoba is 4-0-1-0 against the Wolves and have won all three previous games at Bell MTS Place in 2017-18. Today’s meeting is also Retro Jersey Day, with the Moose wearing replica uniforms from the 2004-05 season. The jerseys will be auctioned off at the game and online, in support of Hockey Manitoba. You can still get tickets for today’s action at moosehockey.com/tickets/. YYou can also tune in to the pre-game show at 1:45 p.m. (CT) on TSN 1290 when play-by-play announcer Mitch Peacock steps back into the booth following his trip to South Korea to cover the Olympics.
RECORD SETTER
Mason Appleton picked up an assist on Saturday to take sole ownership of the franchise rookie scoring record. Appleton is tied for second in the AHL with 51 points (18G, 33A) in 55 games. The Green Bay, Wisc. native surpassed Sean Tallaire who suited up for the Moose back in 1996-97. Appleton is the first player in the franchise to record 50 points since four players reached the mark with the St. John's IceCaps in 2013-14. The last time a Moose player cleared 60 points was in 2008-09 when Jason Krog racked up 86 points (30G, 56A) in 74 games.
SHUTTING THE DOOR
Eric Comrie posted his second shutout of the season yesterday, and sixth of his career. That mark moves Comrie into a tie for fifth on Manitoba's all-time list with Tyler Moss and Alex Auld. The victory was also the 50th of Comrie's AHL career, also placing him into the fifth slot on the Moose leaderboard. The Edmonton, AB native has made 128 appearances for the Moose/IceCaps, eight back of Cory Schneider's all-time mark.
THE WALL AROUND THE DOOR
Sticking with Manitoba's goalies, the trio of Comrie, Phillips and Hutchinson own some of the top save percentages in the league. Hutchinson's 0.942 mark continues to lead the league while he suits up for the Winnipeg Jets. Comrie is sixth in the league with a 0.924 save percentage. Phillips would be tied with Comrie at 0.924, but with 491 minutes played, hasn't reached the threshold to 'qualify' for the league leaderboard.
THE SECOND IS FOR SCORING
The Moose used two second period goals to power their victory over Chicago yesterday. Manitoba has scored the most second period goals in the AHL with 71 tallies in the middle frame. Meanwhile, the Moose have allowed 45 goals in the second period for a +26 differential.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Moose wrap up a stretch of 12 games in 24 days today. They’ll get a few days off from game action before a series with the Iowa Wild next weekend (Mar. 3/4).
