Moose look for split with Checkers
By: Manitoba Moose Staff | Published: January 1st 2017
The Manitoba Moose kick off 2017 this afternoon as they close out a two-game set at 2:00 p.m. CT with the Charlotte Checkers at the MTS Centre.
Last Game
Following a 10-day layoff, the Moose were back on the ice on Friday night hosting the Charlotte Checkers. After a scoreless first featuring great goaltending from Moose netminder Eric Comrie, Manitoba was able to get on the board with two quick goals to start the second. Kyle Connor and Kevin Czuczman found twine, with Connor’s coming on the man advantage. A little later in the second, the Checkers potted two goals nine seconds apart, tying the contest. Regulation solved nothing, pushing the game to overtime where Charlotte’s Lucas Wallmark scored at 1:58 giving the Checkers a 3-2 victory.
Flash Back
This afternoon marks the fourth meeting between the Moose and Checkers. Manitoba visited Bojangles’ Coliseum for two-game series on Dec. 13 and 14. The Carolina Hurricanes’ affiliate took the first game 4-2 while the Moose managed to nab a point the following night, falling 3-2 in overtime. Chase De Leo and JC Lipon found the score sheet in both games, finishing with two points (1G, 1A) respectively.
Assists at Home, Goals on the Road
Chase De Leo’s statistical split between home and the road is quite peculiar. The second year forward has eight points at home and six on the road. Not a big difference until those numbers break into goals and assists. At home, De Leo has been the setup man, picking up one goal and seven assists – including one on Friday against Charlotte. On the road, the former Portland Winterhawk is the finisher, scoring five goals and adding one assist – with a goal and an assist coming against the Checkers on Dec. 13, 14.
Charlotte’s Story
Prior to Friday’s OT win, Charlotte was in the midst of a four-game slide. In addition to their recent struggles, the Checkers are 1-10-2-0 over their last 13 road games. The Checkers powerplay struck out on Friday night and now sit at the bottom of the league at 10.8 per cent. Andrew Poturalski has 19 points (6G, 13A) in 31 games – good for the team lead. Checkers’ blueliner Jake Chelios has had Manitoba’s number this season with four points (1G, 3A) in three games against the Moose. If Manitoba hopes to get back into the win column, they’ll need to win the special teams battle and keep Porturalski and Chelios in check.
Bobblehead
Fans will want to be in the building early for today’s game as the first 3,000 people through the gates receive a free Eric Comrie bobblehead.
What’s Next?
The Moose continue their six-game homestand on Tuesday (Jan. 3) night as they welcome the Toronto Marlies to downtown Winnipeg at 7:00 p.m. CT. For tickets to all Manitoba Moose home games, visit moosehockey.com/tickets.
