Moose pick up where they left off at home with a 3-1 win over the Condors

The Skinny:

Moose came into the final regular season homestand after finishing off their recent road trip 3-1-1-0 and sitting just two points back of the fourth and final playoff spot in the Central.  Tonight would prove to be a tough test as the Condors come into the game as one of the hottest teams in the AHL.

Pre-game news:

Coach Vincent in his comments following morning skate indicated that Tucker Poolman and JC Lipon are both out week-to-week.  A tough loss for the team as each player plays a significant role on this squad.

Moose Lineup:

Dano-Shaw-Appleton
Vesalainen-Girard-Griffith
Harkins-Spacek-White
Fejes-Maclise-Reichel

Stanley-Stoykewych
Schilling-Nogier
Oligny-Beaudoin

Berdin
Appleby

Gameplay:

– Moose showed up on time (as the coach likes to say) and had some early chances.
– Three power play opportunities in a row for Manitoba in the 1st although the Condors held edge in shots.
– Seth Griffith opened the scoring on the power play to give the Moose a 1-0 lead after 20.
– One thing is certain: Mikhail Berdin is unorthodox.
– Another thing is certain: He is fun to watch.
– At one point Moose were being outshot 17-5 but maintained a 1-0 edge.
– A Logan Shaw slap shot gave the Moose a second pp goal of the game and a 2-0 lead.
– Moose killed a second 5 on 3 (although this one was for a full two minutes) in the 3rd.
– Best chance on it however went to Moose forward Felix Girard who had a breakaway.
– After Girard hit the post the Condors scored off their 31st shot of the game.
– Mason Appleton drew a late penalty and then scored on the power play into the empty net to seal the deal.

Notable:

Massive 3-1 win for the Moose to kick off the final homestand of the regular season as they improve to 35-28-5-2. This team was DEAD LAST at Christmas and now they are back in a playoff spot. Dear Mama.

Worth noting that a big part of the reason for this Moose run has been their play at home. They’ve gone 17-2-1-1 in the last 21 games at Bell MTS Place. Three more home games left in regular season. And it is expected to be a BIG crowd on hand tomorrow.

And also worth mentioning the play of Mikhail Berdin who made 40 saves on the night. Berdin improved to 10-6-3 on the season with a 0.932 save % and a 2.24 GAA.

Standings:

3. Iowa 80 pts (71 games)
4. Manitoba 77 pts (70 games)
5. Milwaukee 77 pts (70 games)
6. Texas 77 pts (71 games)
7. Rockford 76 pts (71 games)

Audio:

Ryan White

Mikhail Berdin

Felix Girard

Coach Vincent

Next Game Action:

The Moose and Condors will have a re-match tomorrow night at Bell MTS Place.  Puck drop is at 7 pm.