Moose look for split with Checkers
By: Manitoba Moose Staff | Published: December 14th 2016
For the second time in as many nights, the Manitoba Moose (11-10-1-2) invade Bojangles’ Coliseum at 6:00 p.m. CT for a Central Division showdown against the Charlotte Checkers (10-13-2-1).
Last Game
The Manitoba Moose kicked off their five-game road trip in Charlotte last night, falling 4-2. Chase De Leo scored Manitoba’s first goal giving him two points in as many games, while Scott Glennie potted his third of the season at 8:15 in the third period. Scott Kosmachuk returned to lineup after being out since Nov. 18, picking up an assist on Glennie’s third period marker.
Flash Back
Looking back to the 2015-16 season, Manitoba had a 3-4-1-0 record against the Charlotte Checkers. The Moose managed to shutout the Checkers 3-0 on Nov. 7 in their first meeting of the season. Manitoba also broke out for seven goals on Feb. 27, beating Charlotte 7-2. Moose forward JC Lipon had a strong season series against the Checkers, scoring five goals in the five games he played versus the Carolina Hurricanes’ AHL affiliate.
First Year Scores
The six players on the Moose roster in the midst of their first full-time AHL seasons are key to Manitoba’s offense. When a Moose first-year player scores a goal, the Moose are a solid 9-2-0-1 this season. The Moose are currently led by Jack Roslovic who has 18 (8G, 10A) points in 24 games, while recently signed Dan DeSalvo, is second with 13 points (7G, 6A) in 14 games this year.
Charlotte’s Story
The Checkers picked up their first win in eight games with their win over Manitoba yesterday. However, it shouldn’t come as a surprise as the Checkers have been great at home, sporting a 7-2-0-0 record at Bojangles’ Coliseum. With the win, Charlotte sits in seventh place in the Central Division with a .440 winning percentage. The Checkers’ powerplay scored twice against the Moose, but still ranks last in the league, scoring 11 per cent of the time. Andrew Poturalski leads the team in scoring with 16 points (5G, 11A) in 25 games.
What’s Next?
After busy start to the week the Moose head to Rockford, IL where they get set to face the IceHogs on Saturday Dec. 17 at 7:00 p.m. CT. To listen to all Manitoba Moose road games, visit moosehockey.com/listenlive. Be sure to tune into the pre-game show 15 minutes before puck drop for all the latest updates and analysis.
