The Moose had a chance to close things out last night in Milwaukee but a lack of discipline cost them game 4 which took these clubs to a winner-takes-all game 5 tonight. It is the 30th meeting between these two teams over the last two seasons (regular and playoffs).
Lineup news:
At forward Evan Polei came back in and Tyler Boland was out. On D it was Ville Heinola who came out with Simon Lundmark drawing in. Apparently Heinola took warm-up so he may have been dealing with something. Oskari Salminen got his fourth straight start.
Moose lineup:
Malott-Toninato-Limoges
Bongiovanni-Maier-Harkins
Jones-Meireles-Ford
Torgersson-Nikkanen-Polei
Chisholm – Gawanke
Sautner – Lundmark
Oligny – Stewart
Salminen
Holm
Notable:
Both the Moose and Admirals were playing not to make a mistake in the 1st period.
Your netminder has to be your best penalty killer and Oskari Salminen proved that with these saves.
It was all Admirals in the middle frame including this goal by Mark Jankowski to give the home team a 1-0 lead. Shots were 8-1 in favour of Milwaukee at that point.
Manitoba had a glorious chance to a short (16 seconds) 5 on 3 but instead they gave up a shorthanded chance and the power play looked completely discombobulated.
It wasn’t looking good for Manitoba but with 1:57 left in the 3rd they pulled Salminen (for the second time) to get an extra attacker and they managed to tie it. Jansen Harkins, who has been clutch all season long, gets his fourth goal of the playoffs with this rocket.
However an unfortunate neutral zone collision between two Moose gave the Admirals a chance to go ahead with 26 seconds left in the 3rd and they did just that.
They would hold on to win and end the Moose season.
Health news:
Turns out reason that Ville Heinola didn’t play was due to a shoulder issue.
Player media availability:
Coach’s media availability:
Highlights:
Up next:
The Moose season is now over. Next up are exit meetings.
