Moose battle Condors in matinee matchup
By: Manitoba Moose Staff | Published: November 16th 2016
The Manitoba Moose (6-5-0-1) will need to set their alarms today, as they hit the ice bright and early in California at 10:30 a.m. local time (12:30 CT) to battle the Bakersfield Condors (5-5-0-0).
Manitoba is in the midst of their five-game road trip after playing their first two games down the road in San Diego against the Gulls (Nov. 11, 12). Heading into the weekend the Moose looked to extend their four-game win streak, but the Gulls had other plans, taking both games, 3-2 and 6-3 respectively.
Flash Back
This isn’t the first time Manitoba and Bakersfield have faced-off this season. The Condors began their 2016-17 campaign at the MTS Centre with a two-game series against the Moose. The visitors stole the show in Manitoba’s home-opener, taking the first game 4-1. Game two was a much better effort for the home side as Manitoba mounted a third period comeback, earning a 5-4 victory.
Finding Offense
As is par for the course these days, Manitoba lost another key piece to their offensive puzzle earlier this week. On Monday, the Winnipeg Jets recalled Chase De Leo from Manitoba. With De Leo in the NHL, others will need to continue to offense. While Manitoba has plenty of players capable of filling the net, Scott Kosmachuk has had success in his career against the Condors. Over the last two seasons the Toronto product has six points (5G, 1A) in as many games – including two powerplay markers earlier this season.
Goals at a Premium
Despite their .500 record, the Condors have been stout defensively and their goaltending has been strong. They have only given up 27 goals through 10 games, good for second best in the AHL. Both goaltenders on their active roster have played well as Laurent Brossoit is sporting a 0.929 SV % through five games and Nick Ellis is right there with him at 0.928 %.
What’s Next?
Manitoba will have a day to reset following today’s game and then they’ll make their way south to Arizona for a two-game set against the Tucson Roadrunners (Nov. 18,19). Game one is set for Friday night at 8:05 p.m. CT. You can listen to the game live on TSN 1290 or by going online to moosehockey.com/listenlive.
