Moose open two-game set in Tucson
By: Manitoba Moose Staff | Published: November 18th 2016
For the first time ever, the Manitoba Moose (7-5-0-1) will take to the ice in Tucson, Arizona (Nov. 18 at 8:05 p.m. CT) as they kick off a two-game set with the Tucson Roadrunners (7-1-2-0).
Recap
Manitoba heads into the Copper State looking to wrap up their five-game road trip with a couple wins. After being swept this past weekend (Nov.11,12) at the hands of the San Diego Gulls, the Moose snagged a decisive 4-1 victory against the Bakersfield Condors on Wednesday (Nov. 16) afternoon.
Pacific Pouncers
Offense has come by committee for the Manitoba Moose as four players on their active roster have seven or more points through the team’s first 13 games. However, when it comes to Pacific Division teams, a few young forwards have been lights out. Four of Brendan Lemieux’s five points (3G, 2A) have come against Pacific Division teams including a goal on Wednesday in Bakersfield. Meanwhile, Scott Kosmachuk has been the kryptonite for teams who call the West coast home. All seven of his points (3G, 4A) are against the Roadrunners’ division foes in the Condors and Gulls.
Shorties
Manitoba’s penalty kill has shown a spark of offense too. The team leads the league with four shorthanded goals, including one from Dan DeSalvo on Wednesday in Bakersfield. You can guarantee the Moose would like to add to their total in Arizona this weekend.
(Extra) Special Teams
Heading into tonight’s contest, the Roadrunners sit atop the AHL standings with an .800 winning percentage, featuring seven wins in their first 10 contests. Why is Tucson so successful? Special teams are a big reason. The Roadrunners own the league’s third ranked powerplay at 27.1 %, while their penalty kill has been on lockdown – surrendering a league low four goals. If the Moose look to buck the trend, they’ll need to take advantage with the extra man and remain disciplined.
What’s Next?
The Moose finish off their five-game road trip tomorrow night (Nov.19 at 8:05 p.m. CT) with another tilt against the Roadrunners before flying back home to Winnipeg. You can listen to the game live on moosehockey.com/listenlive.
