PREVIEW: Rematch with the Rocket
By: Manitoba Moose Staff | Published: January 27th 2018
Tonight, the Manitoba Moose (28-10-3-2) wrap up their three-game swing, in the second half of a back-to-back against the Laval Rocket (17-21-5-2). The Moose are chasing a third consecutive win and a point in their 11th straight road game. In last night’s 4-1 win, Nic Petan led the way with three assists, while Eric Comrie stopped 39 of 40 shots. Catch Mitch Peacock and all the action on TSN 1290 or moosehockey.com/listenlive/. Puck drop is at 6 p.m. (CT) with the pregame show starting 15 minutes before.
STINGY
After surrendering nine goals in the final two games of their home stand, the Moose have clamped down on the road, allowing just two goals in their past two games. Manitoba hasn't allowed an even strength goal in those two contests. Overall, the Moose have allowed just 76 even strength goals on the season, or 1.7 per game.
ROSTER SHUFFLING
The Jets and Moose were busy yesterday moving players throughout the organization. The NHL club recalled goaltender Jamie Phillips, while reassigning forward Brendan Lemieux and Michael Hutchinson to the Moose. Meanwhile, Manitoba recalled goaltender Colton Phinney from Jacksonville, who backed up Eric Comrie last night.
Today, the Moose announced another group of moves, reassigning Phinney and forward Elgin Pearce to Jacksonville. The club also released forward Garrett Meurs from his professional tryout. Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets reassigned forward Jimmy Lodge to Jacksonville.
TEARING UP THE ROAD
With their win last night, the Moose have secured points in 10 straight road games. The Moose previously lost a road game in regulation all the way back on Nov. 12 in San Jose. Manitoba's streak is the second- longest run in the AHL this season, but still short of the franchise record of points in 15 straight road games set in 2011-12 when the franchise was in St. John's. Since the start of November, the Moose are 13-2-1-0 on the road.
COMFORTABLE WITH THE LEAD
The Moose have made a habit of cashing in on games in which they hold the lead this season. When scoring the first goal of the game, Manitoba holds a 19-5-1-2 (.759) record. If the Moose get to the first intermission with a lead, the mark improves to 17-2-1-2 (.841). In the 27 games the Moose have led going into the third, Manitoba has lost in regulation just once, holding a 23-1-1-1 (.923) record.
WHAT'S NEXT?
You can watch Moose goaltender Michael Hutchinson, defenceman Cameron Schilling, and forward Mason Appleton at the AHL All-Star Classic, beginning on Sunday. Tune into the action on Sportsnet, the NHL Network or AHL Live. The Skills Competition is slated for 7 p.m. CT on Sunday, with the All-Star Challenge following on Monday at 6 p.m. (CT). The rest of the team will enjoy a short break before they take on the IceHogs in Rockford on Feb. 2nd.
