Sports stats



Moose Edge Aeros, 3-1

October 24, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Manitoba Moose News Release


In their first match-up against the Houston Aeros the Manitoba Moose extended their winning streak to three games and snapped the Aeros perfect record at the MTS Centre on Friday night. Mark Cullen, Mario Bliznak and Michel Ouellet were credited with the three Moose goals while net minder Cory Schneider had a nearly perfect night, saving 17 of 18 shots.

It only took a minute into his Moose debut for Darryl Bootland to validate his tough-guy status, earning a five-minute major for fighting with Aeros defenseman Justin Falk. Falk was penalized an extra two-minutes for roughing, putting the home team on the first power play of the night. The man-advantage expired without any goals, but the Moose were able to register four shots on starter Nolan Schaefer.

At 7:12 defenseman Nolan Baumgartner and former Moose winger Jesse Schultz were both fined for roughing. With back-and-fourth play between both squads, neither team could outmaneuver the other to get on the scoreboard.

The Moose penalty killers looked sharp when Pierre-Cedric Labrie was sent to the box for high-sticking followed by a boarding penalty to Daniel Rahimi. The first period finished with nine shots on Cory Schneider and ten on Schaefer.

The Moose dominated in the first five minutes of the second stanza, recording six attempts on the Aeros.

At 7:09 Guillaume Desbiens and Aeros captain Ryan Hamilton dropped their gloves in the visitors zone, resulting in three solid blows each accompanied by five-minute majors for fighting.

In the latter half of the second, the Aeros would be the first to break their goose-egg when Krys Kolanos netted his fourth of the season, putting his squad up by one.

Intermission got the Moose revved up for the third, scoring a goal 1:02 into the final frame. With an initial shot by Micheal Grabner, centre man Mark Cullen got hold of the rebound and netted the first Moose goal of the night, second of his season, closing the gap at one.

Making up for the lack of goals in the first two periods, the Moose were at it again. Super Mario Bliznak completed a pass from Captain Mike Keane, putting Manitoba in their first lead of the game, 2-1.

The Aeros opted for a sixth attacker, pulling Schaefer in the final minutes of play. Michel Ouellet took a long shot and hit the empty net, extending his point streak to five games and confirming the victory for the Moose, 3-1.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Moose close out their series against the Houston Aeros tomorrow night at the MTS Centre and will hit the road on Wednesday for their first away game against the Quad City Flames at 7:05 p.m.

NEXT GAME

Saturday, October 25, 2008 @ the MTS Centre - 7:30 p.m.

• Discuss this story on the American Hockey League message board...

American Hockey League Stories from October 24, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central