Despite Jamie Phillips making 40 saves Moose fall 2-1 in OT to Griffins

The Moose took on Detroit’s AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins in a re-match of Tuesday night, which the Moose won 3-1. With Kyle Connor and Jack Roslovic already with the Jets, and the recent call-up of Eric Comrie, the Moose were short-staffed to say the least as they took on one of the most dynamic offensive clubs in the AHL.

Scoring Summary:

Moose Goal (1): Scott Kosmachuk came down the right wing and burned past former Nyr 1st round pick – and Winnipegger – Dylan McIlrath, and put it top shelf over 6’6 goaltender Jared Coreau.

Griffins Goal (1): Red Wings top prospect Evgeny Svechnikov got a pass through the slot, took the rolling puck from his back to his forehand, and whipped a wrist shot past Jamie Phillips on the power play. It was the type of play that very few AHL’ers can make. (And those who can usually aren’t there long).

Griffins Goal (2): In 3-on-3 OT, Axel Holmstrom took a nice cross-ice feed from Svechnikov and ripped a one-timer past Phillips. Because the puck came out of the net so quickly, there was a quick review of the play, but it did indeed end the game.

Player Assessment

G Jamie Phillips – He faced 40 shots through regulation and made 39 of them, keeping his team in it till the bitter end. Although there were a few sequences where he was scrambling around in his crease (largely due to his team scrambling in front of him), Phillips looked calm and poised in the net for most of the game. In 7 AHL starts, he has yet to look out of place, and at 6’3, and 24 years of age, the former NCAA standout and ECHL all-star is a very nice prospect to have coming up behind Connor Hellebuyck and Eric Comrie.

RD Luke Green – He showed good speed, skill, and instincts with the puck, but also looked over-matched at times due to pace of play and the size/strength of his opponents. You can see the hands and vision when he has the puck on his stick, but like virtually all young players, he needs to mature physically. Beyond that, the question will be whether or not he can adjust to and think the game at the highest level.

C Chase De Leo – He nearly ended the game in OT, ringing one off the post, and had a nice break earlier in the game while shorthanded, using great speed. He was probably the best skater for the Moose tonight, but with Connor and Roslovic on loan to the Jets, you hope he that he can take the team on his back and carry them a little further.

Post-game audio:

Chase De Leo

Jamie Phillips

Coach Vincent

Next Game Action:

The Moose’s next opponent is the Tuscon Roadrunners – Arizona’s AHL squad. They play Friday night and Sunday afternoon at the MTS Centre – the last two home games of the season.