Moose Escape Heat, Win 3-2

The Moose faced the Stockton Heat (Calgary farm club) in the second of two games at the MTS Centre. The Moose won the first game Monday night, 3-0, with Connor Hellebuyck earning his second straight shutout. While the Moose are officially out of playoff contention, they looked to help snuff out the Heat’s slim playoff chances.

Key Plays of the Game

Game Stats Link

First Period

While shorthanded, John Albert went in all alone, but he couldn’t squeek it through the goaltender’s pads on the backhand deke.

On the PP, Jake Baker made a nice pass across to Albert, who threw the puck on net; a mad scramble ensued, with the goal siren going off, but the puck never crossed the line.

Halfway through the first, Ryan Olsen fought Heat scrapper Mitchell Heard – “retribution” for Olsen’s hit from behind on Heat defender Pat Sieloff, just a few minutes prior; Heard got 2 for instigating.

On the PP, Cormier made a nice pass to Albert, who was robbed by goaltender Kevin Poulin. That led to another scramble, but the Moose weren’t t able to bury it. Then, with 20 seconds left in the powerplay, Jake Baker teed up a slapper from the top of the left circle and pounded a shot off the left post, short side on goaltender Kevin Poulin. 1-0 Moose

Second Period

Aaron Harstad walked the line and took a smart wrister from the point – Darren Kramer was perfectly situated out front, and made a nice deflection to put the Moose up 2-0.

with 13.6 seconds left in the second, a point shot from Andrew MacWilliam squirted through everyone, right onto the stick of John Albert, who beat an unsuspecting Kevin Poulin to put the Moose up by 3.

Third Period

8:20 into the third, Connor Hellebuyck’s 8-period shutout streak ended when Mitchell Heard’s shot from the slot came right back to him, and the second shot surprised Hellebuyck blocker side. 3-1 Moose.

Just over a minute later, Drew Shore drove wide and centred the puck for Kenny Agostino, who beat Hellebuyck along the ice to get the Heat within 1.

The Moose come back with some offensive zone pressure, and with Poulin down, they had several golden opportunities, but aren’t able to bury.

In the waning moments of the game, ECHL call-up Brant Harris nearly potted an empty netter for his first AHL goal, but he caught the post.

Injury Notes

Josh Morrissey missed tonight’s game, and is unlikely to play on the weekend. Look for him to return to the Moose lineup some time next week. Defencemen Jan Kostalek and Peter Stoykewych were also out tonight.

Tonight’s Best Moose

John Albert – Albert was his usual self – fast, crafty, and determined. He had more scoring chances than any other Moose player, most of which he created with his feet. He also scored the goal which ended up as the game winner.

Darik Angeli – An ECHL call-up who’s making the most of his opportunity, Angeli (aka Dark Angel) was a demon on the forecheck, and generated several good chances by forcing turnovers in the offensive zone.  He had a few great chances to score his first AHL goal, but was thwarted.

Jake Baker – His first AHL goal got things started – a hard slapper which beat the goalie clean. He also made smart decisions with the puck, and was pretty solid defensively, with his 6’5 stride and long stick making it hard for opposing forwards.

Audio

Captain John Albert discusses his play, and a special fan from St. John’s

Coach Keith McCambridge discusses the win, and recent trends

Defenceman Jake Baker talks about his first AHL goal