Recap: Moose 2 at Toronto 1
By: Manitoba Moose Staff | Published: December 16th 2017
Manitoba Moose (20-5-1-2) at Toronto Marlies (21-6-0-0)
Saturday, December 16, 2017 – Ricoh Coliseum, Toronto, ON
| Scoring Summary | 1 | 2 | 3 | F |
| Manitoba Moose | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Toronto Marlies | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Shots By Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | F |
| Manitoba Moose | 6 | 14 | 7 | 27 |
| Toronto Marlies | 11 | 12 | 17 | 40 |
| Special Teams | PP | PK | PIM |
| Manitoba Moose | 0/4 | 5/5 | 10 |
| Toronto Marlies | 0/5 | 4/4 | 8 |
| Goaltender Summary | Goaltender | MIN | SA | SV |
| Manitoba Moose | Michael Hutchinson | 60:00 | 40 | 39 |
| Toronto Marlies | Garret Sparks | 58:45 | 26 | 25 |
Goal Summary
| P | TIME | TEAM | GOAL | ASSIST | ASSIST | STR | SCORE |
| 2 | 1:10 | MB | Peter Stoykewych (5) | Mason Appleton (15) | Nic Petan (16) | ES | 1-0 MB |
| 3 | 18:52 | MB | Patrice Cormier (5) | Mason Appleton (16) | EN | 2-0 MB | |
| 3 | 19:39 | TOR | Jeremy Bracco (2) | Ben Smith (11) | Justin Holl (2) | ES | 2-1 MB |
Game Story
The Manitoba Moose (20-5-1-2) shut down the Toronto Marlies (21-6-0-0) by a 2-1 score on Saturday. Toronto controlled the play early, but were unable to solve netminder Michael Hutchinson. Manitoba then drew back-to-back power plays, but were unable to capitalize against the AHL’s top PK unit. With just over two minutes remaining in the period the Marlies went on their first man advantage but Hutchinson stood tall again, flying across the crease to stop a point-blank chance from Toronto. The Marlies outshot the Moose 11-6 after the first frame, but the game remained scoreless.
It was Manitoba that started fast in the second period, with Peter Stoykewych scoring his fifth of the season, tying his career high, 1:10 into the frame. Mason Appleton (15) and Nic Petan (16) were awarded the assists on the goal and the Moose took the first lead of the day. From that point on the action was end to end with Hutchinson and Marlies goalie Garret Sparks stopping odd man rushes and breakaways. Toronto started pressing again in the last five minutes of the second Toronto started pressing again but blocks by the defence and Hutchinson’s calm demeanor kept Toronto scoreless.
The final frame was more of the same from the net minders. Sparks stopped a two-on-one chance from JC Lipon, and a breakaway from Mason Appleton in quick succession, while Hutchinson frustrated the Marlies and their fans, who were waiting for a goal to cue their Teddy Bear Toss. After killing a few late penalties, the Moose extended their lead thanks to hard work from Mason Appleton giving way to an empty net goal for captain Patrice Cormier (12). With just 21 seconds left and the net empty, Jeremy Bracco finally solved Hutchinson ending his shutout bid, but the Moose held on for the 2-1 victory.
Quick Hits
- The Moose have now gone 13 games without a regulation loss. That also ties the franchise record for consecutive games recording a point set in 1997-98 and 2009-10.
- Michael Hutchinson is now 10-0-1 in his last eleven starts.
- Mason Appleton’s two-assist night was the eighth multi-point game of his rookie season, and he now has 4 points (1G, 3A) in the first two games of this road trip.
- While the Marlies still hold a better save percentage, the Moose have now earned more overall points this season.
- The Marlies Teddy Bear Toss with 21 second left in the game was the longest wait for a toy drive in their franchise’s history.
What’s Next?
Game two between the Moose and Marlies, goes Sunday at 3 p.m. CT. Afterwards, Manitoba will head back home for a four-game home stand starting with a series against San Antonio (Dec. 21/22) . The holidays are coming up quickly, so don’t forget to grab your tickets at moosehockey.com/tickets.
