PREVIEW: Back Home to Take on the Champs
By: Manitoba Moose Staff | Published: January 8th 2018
The Moose (25-6-2-2) are back at Bell MTS Place, tonight, to take on Grand Rapids (16-16-1-4). It will be the fourth meeting between the two Central Division rivals. Manitoba won the last two matchups with the Griffins after losing the season opener in Grand Rapids. The Moose are now 13-3-1-1 in their division this season, and tonight’s home game is the first of four this week against Central rivals. Head to moosehockey.com/tickets/ and be there for puck drop at 7pm (CST).
FIRST TO 25
With their win on Saturday, the 2017-18 Moose became the fastest edition of the team to reach 25 wins in franchise history, needing just 35 games to reach the mark. They beat the previous record of 38 games, set by the 2004-05 Moose. With 54 points, the Moose have also clinched the best 38-game (current AHL half-season) start in franchise history. With a point in one of their next three games, the Moose can also set a new franchise record for highest winning percentage at the mid-point of the season. The 2004-05 Moose currently hold the record at 0.713.
BACK IN ACTION
On Saturday, Eric Comrie saw his first action in the Moose net since Dec. 15. The Moose goaltender made 29 saves on 32 shots to help secure the win. Between a call-up to the Winnipeg Jets and injury, the former second-round pick has only made two starts for the Moose since Nov. 25. On the season, Comrie holds a 10-4-1 record with a 2.40 GAA and 0.924 SV%.
STAYING IN THE WIN COLUMN
The Moose haven't spent extended time in the loss column this season. Manitoba has lost multiple games in a row just once on the campaign, dropping three straight from Oct. 27 to Nov. 1. The Moose still managed two points out of that brief losing skid, with two of the losses coming in extra time. Manitoba has yet to go two straight games without earning a point through 35 games this season.
KEEPING POSITIVE
Moose defenceman Cameron Schilling's plus/minus rating continues to climb. The 2018 all-star leads the AHL with a +31 rating in just 35 games. Schilling has recorded at least an even rating in 29 of 35 contests. There's plenty of season left, but if Schilling continues his pace, the single-season Moose record for plus/minus is +29 set in 2013-14 by Ben Chiarot.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Moose continue their six-game home stand Wednesday at Bell MTS Place in the rematch with Grand Rapids. You can still get your tickets for all the action at moosehockey.com/tickets/.
