The final game of the regular season set itself up as a nothing game for the Moose. The Wolves however came into the game a point back of the playoff line with a few different ways to clinch a spot. Manitoba is already locked in to play Milwaukee (for the second straight year).
Lineup news:
Coming back in their lineup today were Henri Nikkanen and Ville Heinola who were missing due to injury/illness (suspect latter). As well Dominic Toninato returned to the lineup after playing three games in three days (two with Moose, one with Jets). Still missing were Cole Maier and Kristian Reichel. Arvid Holm was also obviously feeling better as got the start in net.
Moose lineup:
Malott-Toninato-Harkins
Torgersson-Bongiovanni-Limoges
Jones-Meireles-Ford
Polei-Nikkanen-Caron
Heinola – Stewart
Sautner – Lundmark
Oligny – Bauer
Holm
Cormier
Notable:
No Leon Gawanke for the Moose today which meant the Jets 2017 5th rounder will end his 2022-23 regular season with: 68 GP 20G 25A 45P. He set the Manitoba record for goals by a defenceman in any era and he was also tied for most goals by a Dman this season. Remarkable.
Proved to be lucky number 13 for Wyatt Bongiovanni who puts the Moose up 1-0 in the regular season finale.
Jansen Harkins finished off his second odd man rush of this shift to increase the Moose lead to 2-0. That’s his team leading 25th goal of the season in his 44th game of the season.
Just 1:32 after they gave up the tying goal leading scorer Alex Limoges hit the 20 goal mark to give the Moose a 3-2 lead. Second straight season he’s gotten to 20 (or more).
Quite the sound on this Jeff Malott goal. His 23rd of the campaign. Made it 4-2 for the Moose.
Remember this Chicago team felt they would have their season on the line and they showed the right amount of desperation with a 6 on 5,
Lots of firepower from this group. Lots to discuss with guys having career seasons but with so much time between the game on Sunday and the first playoff game there will be plenty of time for that.
The tough news the defending Calder Cup champs learned was that their victory wasn’t enough as both Iowa and Rockford won their respective late games.
Player media availability:
Highlights:
Up next:
The Moose regular season is now over. They will return to home to prepare for the start of the Calder Cup Playoffs. Speaking of which….
Calder Cup Playoffs Round Two:
Some folks are wondering why the second round doesn’t start until late next week and the answer is that the play-in games are a best of three affair. They now have a few weeks to get ready for the Admirals which is big. Game 1 on April 28th. They are hoping to have Declan Chisholm back after he dealt with a high-ankle sprain. Other guys also dealing with bumps and bruises. The full schedule is as follows:
Game 1: Friday, April 28, 7 p.m. CT – Canada Life Centre
Game 2: Sunday, April 30, 2 p.m. CT – Canada Life Centre
Game 3: Wednesday, May 3, 7 p.m. CT – UWM Panther Arena
Game 4*: Friday, May 5, 7 p.m. CT – UWM Panther Arena
Game 5*: Saturday, May 6, 6 p.m. CT – UWM Panther Arena
*If necessary
