Moose undone early in 3-1 loss to Wild

Playing their second game in as many nights, the Moose took on the Wild in a rematch of Tuesday night’s affair, which the Wild won 1-0 in OT. After getting down 2-0 early on, the Moose got to within one, but ultimately weren’t able to turn the tide.

Scoring Summary

Iowa Goal (1): After Eric Comrie gave the puck away to Jordan Schroeder, Schroeder circled the net and found Teemu Pulkkinen wide open, who buried it past a sprawling Comrie.

Iowa Goal (2): The puck was directed (not kicked) off the foot of Nick Saracino, past a helpless Comrie.

Manitoba Goal (1): Dan DeSalvo entered the zone, made a half-pass, half-shot with Brendan Lemieux heading to the net, and the rebound came to Jimmy Lodge who put it past Stalock to get the Moose within one.

Iowa Goal (3): With the Moose net empty, Brenden Kichton appeared to have the puck behind the net, but had his stick lifted, and the Wild found the empty net.

LINKS

Official Game Sheet

Moose Scoring Leaders

Post-Game Audio

Jimmy Lodge

Coach Vincent

Player Assessment:

GOALTENDER

Eric Comrie: A tough start to the game for Comrie, who in trying to help his defenceman, actually gave the puck away and couldn’t recover and get set in his net. He also seemed to be having trouble with rebound control early on, as he left a few easy saves right in the slot, but Stoykewych bailed him out on the most dangerous one. After allowing two goals on the first 4 shots, he settled down and played very well, making 29-straight saves to end the game.

FORWARDS

Jack Roslovic: While he didn’t do anything astounding tonight, he continues to make a positive impact on every game with his skating, puck handling, vision, and patience. He looks in control when he has the puck, and he’s getting better without it.

Dan DeSalvo: He created the first goal with a smart, low shot towards the net. His line also created the most chances tonight. Though he’s 5 years older, and 5 inches shorter, he actually brings a lot of the same skills as Roslovic – vision, puck handling, and a lot of patience. Take what Nic Petan has done for the Jets’ powerplay coming from the Moose, and that’s what DeSalvo – coming from the ECHL – has been to the Moose.

Jimmy Lodge: He scored the first goal, starting the play with a nice pass to enter the zone, and then driving the net and collecting the rebound. He looks like a totally different player from this time last year, having improved immensely. Now that said, he looked like he belonged in the ECHL a year ago, so take that with a grain of salt, but perhaps there’s still some untapped potential in this 2013, 3rd round pick.

Brendan Lemieux: His most memorable play was an offensive zone on a hit from behind – one of those plays where it looked like it would be from the side, but didn’t end up that way. Overall, it was another quiet night for Lemieux, who is scoreless in three games and hitting a slight, though normal, rut for a rookie. Not only is he not getting on the scoresheet, but he isn’t generating as many chances recently. 

Quinton Howden: Howden was quiet in his first game since being sent down by the Jets, although he did make one nice play, going down the right wing and putting the puck through his own legs, which helped him drive the net to create a chance.

J.C Lipon: Buzzing around as always, he brought speed and skill to a third line which was in desperate need of both, given the limitations of Kramer and Cormier.

Scott Glennie: Had a very tough game tonight, missing a few good chances, and generally reacting slowly to the play around him in several instances.

Ryan Olsen: Couldn’t bury on a few golden opportunities. The 22-year-old centre continues to play himself out of prospect status and firmly into suspect territory.

Patrice Cormier: Got in on the forecheck well and made several big hits.

Darren Kramer: Almost converted a nice deflection for a goal.

Darcy Murphy: An ECHL call-up who’s having trouble making an impact at this level.

Kale Kessy: See comment above on Murphy.

Injured: Scott Kosmachuk, Brandon Denham

DEFENCEMEN

Brenden Kichton: Generally smooth with the puck, Kichton was unfortunately quite noticeable in the third for a few very poor plays while down a goal. In general, he is known for patiently surveying the ice for his best option, and dynamic play in the offensive zone. He needs to improve his anticipation in the defensive zone, as he’s small for a d-man at 5’10, and his skating currently isn’t good enough for the NHL.

Peter Stoykewych: Seems to be growing in confidence, as he had the puck on his stick a lot tonight, and wasn’t afraid to handle it. He also had a few tough shifts – for instance, losing his man in coverage, which almost led to a point blank chance. But it happens.

Julian Melchiori: Continues to play fairly solid defence, but make questionable decisions in the offensive zone. Seems uncomfortable with the puck on his stick, which leads to him making the first available play – which in the offensive zone, is usually a shot – regardless of his placement on the ice. 

Kevin Czuczman: He was “just ok” tonight. Not noticeable for better or for worse. He could have had a great chance at the end of the second, had he only called for the puck. Overall this season, he’s been fairly reliable in his own zone, and capable in the offensive zone as well, with a penchant for jumping into the play.

Nelson Nogier: Battles hard on the pk, but overall, still very much adjusting to the pace of play at this level.

Brian Strait: Made a nice play while shorthanded to cut off a back-door feed. Struggles when the puck is on his stick, as he has very limited vision, and has difficulty getting shots through. Took a dangerous tripping penalty in the third which the Moose were able to kill off.

Not in the Lineup: Jan Kostalek (injured), Jake Baker, Jordan Hill

Lines

Howden-Roslovic-Glennie
Lemieux-DeSalvo-Lodge
Kramer-Olsen-Lipon
Kessy-Cormier-Murphy

Melchiori-Stoykewych
Czuczman-Kichton
Strait-Nogier
Hill

Comrie
Pavelec