Moose look to close five-game road trip with win
By: Manitoba Moose Staff | Published: November 19th 2016
The Manitoba Moose (7-6-0-1) will wrap up their five-game road trip tonight (8:05 p.m. CT) as they close out their two-game series against the league leading Tucson Roadrunners (8-1-2-0).
Recap
After a scoreless first frame, the goal lamp was hot-to-the-touch in the final two periods as the teams combined for seven markers. Goals by Darren Kramer and Jimmy Lodge from Manitoba had the game tied at two early in the third. The tie didn’t last long as Tucson’s offense went to work down the stretch picking up three goals on their way to a 5-2 triumph.
Keep it Five-on-Five
A key for the Moose tonight will to be remain disciplined. The Moose haven’t given up much at even strength recently. Manitoba has only surrendered one even strength goal in the last seven periods dating back to their game against San Diego on Nov. 12. The lone five-on-five marker came in Friday’s game against the Roadrunners in the third period. On Wednesday’s 4-1 win in Bakersfield, Manitoba didn’t surrender a single even strength goal as the Condors’ one marker came on the powerplay.
Shots-a-Plenty
Despite falling 5-2, the Moose nearly doubled the Roadrunners in shots on Friday night, outshooting Tucson 42-24. Julian Melchiori’s nine shots on goal led the Moose in that department. His nine shots are a career high for the defenceman and is the most shots by a Moose player in a game this season. If Manitoba hopes to see a different result on the scoreboard this evening, they will need to remain dominant in this category.
They’re Number One
Not only does Tucson sit atop the AHL standings, they also own the league’s best powerplay and penalty kill. It’s clear the Roadrunners flexed their muscles on Friday night, going four-for-eight on the powerplay and snuffing all five of Manitoba’s chances on the man advantage. Along with their solid special teams play, Tucson has been strong defensively too – only allowing 25 even strength goals through their first 11 games.
What’s Next?
The Moose will head back to Winnipeg on Sunday and then get set for a back-to-back series with the Iowa Wild. Game one goes Tuesday (Nov. 22) at 7:00 p.m. while game two is set for Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. (Nov. 23). For tickets to all upcoming Manitoba Moose home games, visit moosehockey.com/tickets.
