Moose welcome Barracuda to MTS Centre
By: Manitoba Moose Staff | Published: February 3rd 2017
After a lengthy road trip, the Manitoba Moose (18-20-3-2) are back inside the friendly confines of the MTS Centre this evening, as they host the San Jose Barracuda (22-11-1-3) at 7 p.m. CT.
Last Game
The Moose finished their six-game road swing on a high note last Saturday (Jan. 28), earning a 2-1 win over the Charlotte Checkers. Manitoba’s youth was the difference as Brendan Lemieux and Kyle Connor scored, while Eric Comrie was solid stopping 35 of 36 shots for his 10th win of the season. Saturday’s game marked Comrie’s sixth straight start.
First Time Foes
Tonight marks the inaugural matchup between these two clubs. The Moose have faired well this against teams making their first trek to Winnipeg. Earlier this season the San Diego Gulls fell victim to the Moose two nights in a row, as Manitoba picked up 3-2 and 5-4 wins. This is San Jose's second season in the AHL, however it will be the first time they visit the MTS Centre in their franchise history. The Barracuda are the only other AHL team to share their home arena with their NHL affiliate.
Connor on a Roll
Kyle Connor had points in all three games this past week (1G, 2A), including the game-winning goal on Saturday. Connor has points in seven of his last 10 games with seven points (3G, 4A) over that span. Saturday’s game saw him post a season-high seven shots on goal. The Winnipeg Jets' 2015 first round pick has 13 points (6G, 7A) on the season.
Special Teams
Over their last 10 games, the Moose have won or come out even in the special teams battle eight times. The Moose have a 4-2-0-0 record when coming out on the 'plus' side of special teams over that stretch. Manitoba is 9/42 (21.4%) on the powerplay and 33/37 (89.2%) on the penalty kill in its last 10.
San Jose’s Story
The Barracuda come into tonight’s matchup on a three-game win streak and in second place in the AHL’s Pacific Division. San Jose is enjoying a productive season at both ends of the ice. They sit 10th in goals for across the league with 127 and are first in goals against – only allowing 94 goals in 37 contests. They’re also a disciplined team, taking the fourth fewest penalty minutes in the league (497). First year forward, Daniel O’Reagan leads San Jose’s offense with 37 points (13G, 24A) in 34 games. Barracuda netminder, Troy Grosenick has some of best numbers in the league with the second best GAA at 2.10 and the top save percentage at 0.929 per cent. Grosenick has 12 wins this season.
Polar Bear Jersey Night
The Moose will wear specialty Polar Bear Jerseys in tonight’s game. The jerseys will be auctioned off on the concourse during the game and online following the game, with the proceeds going to the Assiniboine Park Zoo’s Polar Bear Rescue Team. For auction details, stay tuned to moosehockey.com. To view the jersey, click here.
What’s Next?
It’s a quick turnaround for these two teams as they’ll be back on the ice tomorrow night to close out this two-game set at 7 p.m. CT. For tickets to all Manitoba Moose home games, visit moosehockey.com/tickets. Fans are in for treat after Saturday’s game, as select Manitoba Moose players will be signing autographs at Autograph Alley. Stay tuned to the Manitoba Moose on social media for details.
