Preview: Super Hero Day
By: Manitoba Moose Staff | Published: February 18th 2019
Feb. 18, 2019 vs MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS
The Manitoba Moose (24-22-3-2) are looking for some revenge against the Milwaukee Admirals (23-20-9-1) this afternoon at 2 p.m. CT. It’s also Super Hero Day at Bell MTS Place where someone in attendance will win a trip for four to Universal Studios in Orlando. Tickets are still available at moosehockey.com/tickets/.
Game one of the two-game series was certainly exciting, but fell Milwaukee’s way. The Admirals led for all but 4:55 of the contest, but the Moose wouldn’t go away. When the final buzzer rang, it was an empty net goal from Milwaukee's Matt Donovan that stood as the game winner.
JC Lipon was leading by example for Manitoba, scoring twice and recording seven shots on goal. The Regina, Sask. native has four points (2G, 2A) on a three-game point streak and reached the 10-goal plateau for the fourth consecutive season. Both of Lipon’s goals were scored within 10 seconds of a face-off and came directly in response to a either a penalty (the former) or the empty net goal (the later).
Skyler McKenzie, who also had a two-point (1G, 1A) game, played on a line with Lipon and spoke about the gritty sixth-year pro after the game.
“I wouldn’t want to mess with him. I don’t think anybody on the ice would want to mess with him. He’s got a lot of skill, he’s got a lot of speed… He’s a great player and it showed at the end of the game there. He gets mad, he goes and scores a goal.”
Tucker Poolman continued his point streak with a goal and nine helpers over the last eight games. Logan Shaw continued to torment Milwaukee. He has found the scoresheet in all six games against the Admirals this season with eight points (5G, 3A) in total.
On the other side, Adam Helewka stood out in his first game against the Moose since being traded to Milwaukee. With two goals and an assist on Sunday, Helewka has five points in three games since changing teams.
Despite the defensive struggles resulting in the outburst of goals allowed, the loss to Milwaukee was Manitoba’s first home regulation defeat since Dec. 22. To finish off their homestand, the team will look back to the strong defense they relied on throughout that stretch.
Cameron Schilling, who had two assist on Sunday, said the key for the team getting a win today will be mental.
“I think the biggest thing is just to stay positive. Obviously there’s guys making mistakes, but as long as you stay positive, get guys’ confidence going, and roll the confidence over that we’ve had going the last month or so. I think that’s the most important thing.”
The Moose head out to Eastern Canada for the next six games over nearly three weeks. The away games will be available on moosehockey.com/listenlive/, the Moose App, and streaming live on AHLTV with select games also broadcast on TSN 1290.
