Mad Scramble

Published on March 1, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Manitoba Moose News Release


The North Division is a crowded place with three teams presently tied for top spot. Manitoba, Hamilton, and Lake Erie all have 70 points, while Toronto sits just a win away from joining the pack. This past week, the Moose split four games against North Division rivals with help from goaltender Eddie Lack. The rookie keeper blanked both the Rochester Americans and Toronto Marlies last week for a pair of shutouts.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011: Manitoba 1, Rochester 0 (SO) The Moose began a stretch of 11 games on the road by heading to Rochester last Wednesday. Despite plenty of scoring chances, especially early on when the Moose and Amerks traded 23 shots in the first period, neither team could solve the opposing goaltender during regulation. Combined, Manitoba's Eddie Lack and Rochester's Tyler Plante made 61 saves forcing a scoreless game into a shootout. Lack stopped four of five Rochester shooters helping Manitoba clinch the 1-0 shootout win.

Friday, February 25, 2011: Manitoba 3, Rochester 5 Manitoba and Rochester met again Friday night at Blue Cross Arena and dispelled the possibility of another shutout affair. Mark Cullen scored late in the first period, but Manitoba answered back with a pair in the second period by Guillaume Desbiens and Bill Sweatt. Followed by three Rochester goals, giving the Amerks a lead they wouldn't surrender. Rochester held off the Moose for the 5-3 win.

Saturday, February 26, 2011: Manitoba 1, Toronto 3 The Moose moved on from Rochester to Toronto and took on the Marlies in a matinee game less than 24 hours since their last. Toronto built a two goal lead by the end of the first period on goals by Nazem Kadri and Aaron Voros. Manitoba's Evan Oberg spoiled the shutout for Marlies goaltender Jonas Gustavsson with 3:01 remaining bringing them to within one goal. But an empty netter shortly after ended any hope for the Moose.

Sunday, February 27, 2011: Manitoba 1, Toronto 0 Manitoba and Toronto's rematch had a national audience on Sunday afternoon with CBC broadcasting the noon game from Ricoh Coliseum. It was a spectacle for those who appreciate great goaltending. Moose goalie Eddie Lack and Toronto's Jonas Gustavsson kept everything off the board until Bill Sweatt scored Manitoba's only goal at 5:04 of the third period. Lack played his strongest game of the week making 35 saves and helping the Moose kill off seven penalties during a tight 1-0 win over the Marlies.

Moose Notes

STAR OF THE SHOW: Manitoba's rookie goaltender was the game's first star on Sunday when the Moose met the Toronto Marlies in a game broadcasted live on CBC. Playing in his fourth start in five days, Lack made 35 saves giving him the shutout and helping Manitoba to a crucial 1-0 win over a division rival. Through four road games in Rochester and Toronto, Lack finished the week with a pair of shutouts, a 0.937 save percentage, and a 1.73 goals against average.

BIG AUDIENCE: Manitoba's game against the Toronto Marlies on Sunday was the second nationally televised game that the Moose have played this season. Their first CBC game was at MTS Centre on Jan. 23 when they hosted and beat the Abbotsford Heat. Then on Sunday, Manitoba improved to 2-0-0-0 in televised games with a 1-0 win over the Marlies at Ricoh Coliseum. There have been seven AHL games on CBC this season and the visiting team has won five times.

FORCE UP FRONT: Guillaume Desbiens completed what is commonly known as a "Gordie Howe Hat Trick" on Friday night in Rochester when he recorded a goal, an assist, and a fighting major. His two-point performance gave him seven points (4g, 3a) over a six-game stretch. Desbiens has found great chemistry with Alexandre Bolduc since his long-time Moose teammate returned to Manitoba on Feb. 8.

Upcoming Opponents

@ Rivermen - Mar. 4 - 7:05 p.m. @ Admirals - Mar. 5 - 7:35 p.m. @ Wolves - Mar. 6 - 3:00 p.m.

The Moose depart for Peoria and will face the Rivermen on Friday for the first of seven straight games on the road. This upcoming trip will take them from Peoria to Milwaukee, Chicago, Oklahoma City, Houston, San Antonio, then back to Houston. Next home game is on Mar. 15 when the Moose host Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Player of the Week Nominee

Eddie Lack

Manitoba's rookie netminder Eddie Lack recorded a pair of shutouts in four road starts last week... In his fourth start in a five day span, Lack made 35 saves against the Toronto Marlies in a 1-0 win... Through four starts last week, Lack finished with a save percentage of 0.937 and a goals against average of 1.73... Lack has three shutouts in February...

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American Hockey League Stories from March 1, 2011


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