Manitoba Moose defeat the Chicago Wolves 4-2 in 25th Anniversary Game

The Moose started this homestand with one of their worst games of the season which saw them lose 5-0 to the Wolves in the second of three straight games against their long-time rival. Today they would wrap up this mini series wearing their 25th anniversary specialty jerseys as they celebrate 25 years of Moose hockey.

Lineup news:

Jets prospect Fabian Wagner made his AHL debut. No Simon Lundmark who was listed as ‘unavailable’ for today’s game. Netminder Kappo Kahkonen would get his third straight start.

Lines & D pairs:

AJF -Lambert – JAD
Suess – Toninato – Ford
Shaw – King – Chibrikov
Liwiski -Conley – Empey

Heinola – Lundmark
Sautner – Salomonsson
Anhorn – Bauer

Kahkonen

Notable:

As mentioned above this was the 25th anniversary games and if there is one thing the Moose always do extremely well it’s specialty jerseys. These were quite incredible.

The organization started the game with a moment of silence for Winnipegger and Sea Bears player Chad Posthumus who passed away early this week.

It was evident from puck drop that the Moose had gotten the message they needed to be quicker and better. With that they continued to get chance (Chibrikov) after chance (Lambert) in the opening period of play.

The opening period of play ended 0-0 but I counted about 5-7 really good chances for Manitoba that either Wolves goalie Dustin Tokarski saved or they just couldn’t bury.

The Moose finally got some puck luck to make it a 1-0 game as Kevin Conley got his first of the season. Jets prospect Fabian Wagner was in on the 2 on 0 but was used as a decoy.

Strong skating from first-year pro Dylan Anhorn was on display throughout the game. Couple of examples here & here.

With the Moose down 2-1 the home team got some good work behind the visitors net by Mason Shaw who fed Brad Lambert who got off a good shot, grabbed his own rebound and danced around Tokarski to tie the game 2-2 to score his first goal in some time (and his first 5 on 5 goal).

And just like that the Moose had a 3-2 lead as Dominic Toninato took advantage of a great screen by Parker Ford. It came just 52 seconds after Manitoba tied the game. Ville Heinola picks up the primary assist.

Brad Lambert got his second of the game as he puts it into the empty net to make it a 4-2 game late in the 3rd which gave him two goals on the game.

With the win the Moose improve to

Multi-point game:

Brad Lambert 2G

Highlights:

Post-game interviews:

Up next:

The Moose will now have a week of practice as they prepare to welcome the Calgary Wranglers next week. Tomorrow they are off.