Moose Look for Win in Road Trip Finale
By: Manitoba Moose Staff | Published: January 28th 2017
The Manitoba Moose (17-20-3-2) close out their six-game road trip tonight at Bojangles’ Coliseum in a battle against the Charlotte Checkers (19-21-3-0).
Last Game
The Moose opened their series with Charlotte on Friday night looking for their second straight win. However, a notch in the win column was not in the cards as the Checkers jumped out to an early lead scoring 20 seconds into the game. Charlotte scored three before Manitoba got onto the board as JC Lipon found twine with the assists going to Kyle Connor and Chase DeLeo. The Checkers added an empty netter giving for a 4-1 victory.
Flash Back
Prior to yesterday’s game, these two clubs clashed earlier this month when the Checkers visited MTS Centre on Dec. 30 and Jan. 1. Charlotte took game one 3-2 in OT, but the Moose started 2017 off on the right foot, beating Charlotte 4-1. Captain Patrice Cormier opened the scoring for the Moose while Brendan Lemieux and Scott Kosmachuk both scored powerplay goals. Recently recalled forward, Brandon Tanev, had Manitoba’s other goal.
Even Keeled
JC Lipon scored his fifth goal of the season last night. The even strength marker gives him 13 points (5G, 8A) at even strength. That total leads the Moose this season. His one point not at five-a-side came shorthanded. The mark is a shift from last season when the former Kamloops Blazer posted 10 of his 30 points on the powerplay. Lipon has four points (2G, 2A) against the Checkers this season and nine points (2G, 7A) in his career against Charlotte.
Keeping Busy
Eric Comrie is used to a heavy workload. The second-year netminder appeared in 18 straight games at one point last season. Comrie started his fifth straight last night which matched a season high for the former second round pick. That busy schedule already has Comrie up to eighth on the Moose games played list for goaltenders with 76 appearances. He took over that spot from Tyler Moss (2002-04) on Tuesday in Texas.
Charlotte’s Story
The Checkers enter tonight’s game looking for their fourth straight win after sweeping a tough Tucson Roadrunners squad last weekend. Over their last 10 games, Charlotte is 7-2-1-0 – grabbing wins over division rivals Milwaukee and Cleveland. While they have had success in the win column as of late, the Checkers have struggled with the man-advantage boasting a league worst 10.8 scoring percentage. Leading the offensive charge is Andrew Poturalski with 27 points (8G, 19A) in 43 games. Checkers’ blueliner Jake Chelios has had Manitoba’s number this season with six points (1G, 5A) in five games against the Moose.
What’s Next?
The Moose get some much need time off as they head into the All-Star break. Manitoba gets back into game action when they open a two-game set on home ice against the San Jose Barracuda on Feb. 3. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. CT. Manitoba will look a little different in that game as they’ll don a Polar Bear themed jersey in support of the Assiniboine Park Zoo. For tickets to all Manitoba Moose home games, visit moosehockey.com/tickets.
