Crunch Edge Moose for Second in North Division; Begin Playoff Match-Up Friday

Published on April 16, 2006 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Manitoba Moose News Release


With Sunday's conclusion of the 2005-06 American Hockey League regular season, the Manitoba Moose officially finished third in AHL's North Division for the second consecutive season, two points behind the Syracuse Crunch. The Moose will now open their best-of-seven North Division Semi-Final Friday in Syracuse against the Crunch.

For only the second time in franchise history, the Moose ended the year with 100 points, thanks to a 44-24-7-5 record. Goaltender Wade Flaherty set new team records for highest save percentage in a season at .919, and also collected the most wins in one season for a Moose goaltender with 26 and the most shutouts in a season with six. Third-year pro Jesse Schultz led the team in scoring with a career-high 37 goals and 67 points. Forwards Lee Goren and Jason King ended their seasons on almost a point-a-game pace as Goren scored 41 points in 42 games while King collected 33 points in 36 games. For the first time in his 13-year career, Centre Craig Darby played every game in a season as he appeared in all 80 games for the Moose this year. The Moose set a new team record for powerplay goals in a season with 89, five more than their previous high of 84 set back in 1998-99.

The following are the confirmed dates, along with locations, and times for the first-round playoff series between the Manitoba Moose and Syracuse Crunch (all times central):

If Syracuse finishes second in the North Division:

Game 1 - Friday, April 21 Manitoba Moose at Syracuse Crunch 6:30 p.m. War Memorial

Game 2 - Saturday, April 22 Manitoba Moose at Syracuse Crunch 6:30 p.m. War Memorial

Game 3 - Monday, April 24 Syracuse Crunch at Manitoba Moose 7:30 p.m. MTS Centre

Game 4 - Wednesday, April 26 Syracuse Crunch at Manitoba Moose 7:30 p.m. MTS Centre

**Game 5 - Friday, April 28 Syracuse Crunch at Manitoba Moose 7:30 p.m. MTS Centre

**Game 6 - Sunday, April 30 Manitoba Moose at Syracuse Crunch 6:00 p.m. War Memorial

** Game 7 - Monday, May 1 Manitoba Moose at Syracuse Crunch 6:00 p.m. War Memorial

Calder Cup Playoff Tickets for Games 3 thru 5 are now on sale. Fans can get their tickets by calling 987-PUCK, or by calling TicketMaster at 780-3333 or by going online at www.ticketmaster.ca

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American Hockey League Stories from April 16, 2006


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