Wild rally to beat Moose in shootout

The Manitoba Moose were able to get a two goal lead midway through the game but were unable to hold on as they fell 4-3 in a shootout to the Iowa Wild on Friday night.

The Moose had goals from Darren Kramer, Jimmy Lodge and Patrice Cormier.

Kramer’s goal in particular brought the crowd to its feet after working a nice give-and-go with Kelly Zajac. The goal was Kramer’s first goal as a member of the Moose and gave Winnipeg native Kelly Zajac his first point with his hometown team.

Kramer then assisted on the first career goal by Jimmy Lodge and followed that with a fight with Kurtis Gabriel to complete the “Gordie Howe hat-trick” all in the first period of play.

After a first period goal from Kurtis Gabriel, the Wild erased the two goal deficit first with a powerplay goal at the end of the second period from Tyler Graovac followed by a goal from former Manitoba Moose defenceman Maxime Fotunus who tied the game in the third.

With a thrilling period of three-on-three overtime solving nothing it was Iowa forwards Zack Mitchell and Tyler Graovac scoring in a shootout to claim the Wild victory.

Eric Comrie made 35-plus saves for the second straight game against Iowa. Comrie has not lost in regulation in his last eight games at home and has a 6-1-2 record at the MTS Centre this season.

Leland Irving posted the win for the Wild as Iowa outshot the Moose 39-28.

Despite the loss the Moose continue their strong play at the MTS Centre as they are 6-1-1-2 in their last nine games.

The Moose will have a quick turnaround as their home stand continues as they welcome the Grand Rapids Griffins on “Connor Hellebuyck Bobblehead day” on Sunday, Jan. 3. The first 3,000 fans in attendance for the 2 p.m. game will receive the giveaway. Tickets are going fast so be sure to get yours.