The Moose had a few days between games as they prepared for a huge divisional set against the Wild in Iowa with both teams needing to add the points to their respective standings banks in pursuit of the fifth and final playoff spot in the Central division.
Lineup news:
No changes to the lineup for Manitoba as they go with the same one that won them the game in Milwaukee on Wednesday night.
Moose lineup:
Malott – Lambert – AJF
Suess – Toninato – Chibrikov
Viel – Reichel – Ford
Torgersson – Nikkanen – Jones
Capobianco – Barteaux
Heinola – Lundmark
Sautner – Kuzmin
Milic
Delia
Notable:
Manitoba got off to a good start getting out to a 5-0 shot edge but they were unable to solve Wild goalie Jesper Wallstedt. Eventually Iowa started to push back and they ended the first period up 9-8 in shots but neither side found the back of the net.
That theme continued as the middle frame was scoreless.
After the Wild opened the scoring early in the 3rd period the Moose went to work.
First was Kristian Reichel who scored his 14th of the season to tie the game as he quickly received the puck and fired it into the back of the net. That wass
Less than two minutes later Jeff Malott’s heater continued as he gave the Moose a 2-1 lead. Good forecheck by AJF which freed the puck for Brad Lambert who found a wide open Malott. Gives him five goals in his last three games and 17th of the season.
With Manitoba’s identity line of Reichel, Ford and Viel out to protect a one goal lead with 2:42 left in the game, Simon Lundmark from long range makes it a 3-1 contest. With the assist on the goal Kristian Reichel hits 100 AHL points in his career as he matches his career high for points (24) that he set last season but does it in nine fewer games.
Just for good measure the Moose added one more as Ville Heinola showed off the deft touch to make it 4-1 for the Moose and seal the deal.
It’s heating up in Manitoba this coming week but already hot is Axel Jonsson-Fjallby who has 5G 6A for 11 points during this five-game win streak.
Multi-point game:
Kristian Reichel 1G 1A
Axel Jonsson-Fjallby 2A
Highlights:
Up next:
Re-match with the Wild tomorrow.
