Moose don’t start on time and the IceHogs earn a series split with a 5-1 victory

The Moose dominated the game on Saturday and were looking for more of the same in today’s re-match with the IceHogs. Rockford is still fighting to secure a playoff spot so they have a lot to play for down the stretch.

Reassigned:

The Jets announced this morning that they had reassigned Mikey Eyssimont back to the AHL club given that the emergency conditions no longer existed. He didn’t play in the game however.

Lineup changes:

Only two lines remained the same as yesterday. Kristian Reichel was ready to return to the lineup for Manitoba. He’s been out since he blocked a shot in a Jets game in Calgary back on February 21st. This will be his first Moose game since February 6th. He took Austin Poganski‘s spot who sustained a lower-body injury in the last game. As well Haralds Egle came in for Nick Hutchison. Lastly, Evan Cormier got the start with Mikhail Berdin backing him up.

Moose lineup:

Malott – Gustafsson – Suess
Vesalainen – Johnson – Egle
Lynch – Meireles – Reichel
Polei – Maier – Jones

Heinola – Kovacevic
Chisholm – Gawanke
Oligny –  Lundmark

Cormier
Berdin

Notable:

Opposite to how yesterday’s game got going with the IceHogs holding a 5-0 shot advantage which eventually went to 8-1 over the Moose.

Thought the Moose might come out a bit more crisp to start the middle frame but instead they were handling the puck like it was a live grenade about to go off in their hands.

There was an increase to the level of physicality in the 2nd period with Ville Heinola laying out this hit along the wall and CJ Suess this one in open ice.

Given that in order to get back into this one the Moose were gonna need something greasy it came as no surprise that the lunchbox line of Polei, Jones and Maier brought the home team within one in the 3rd period. Alternate captain Cole Maier continues his season to remember with his 16th of the season.

A poor defensive effort left to the IceHogs regaining a two goal cushion and then two empty netters later it was 5-1 for the visitors.

Player media availability:

Coach media availability:

Game Highlights:

Up Next:

The Moose are off tomorrow and then will have some practice time as they get set for a road trip.