Moose Lead Series, 3-0

Published on May 4, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Manitoba Moose News Release


The Manitoba Moose took a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Grand Rapids Griffins on Monday night after finishing on top of a 3-1 decision in front of 2541 spectators. Matt Pope notched his second goal of the playoffs, Alexandre Bolduc earned the game-winner and Jason Jaffray sealed the deal with an empty-netter. Goaltender Cory Schneider's 23 saves puts the Moose on a six game post-season winning streak. Game 4 will take place on Wednesday night, also at the Van Andel Arena.

The Moose and Griffins swapped powerplays in the first five minutes of the game with Tom Galvin and Dusty Collins both serving time for hooking and slashing respectively. Neither team capitalized on their opening man-advantages but the Moose took an early 4-1 shot lead.

Manitoba drew first blood at 8:06. Directly after the face-off, Matt Pope picked the puck up from the slot and wristed it passed Jimmy Howard for a 1-0 tally.

Alexandre Bolduc extended the Moose's lead to two goals and his own point streak to three games at 19:28. With help from Jason Jaffray, Bolduc broke Howard on the club's seventh attempt of the night, 2-0.

12:29 into the second period the Griffins tightened the gap. With a two-on-one speeding into the Moose zone, Francis Pare fired the puck top shelf on Schneider to break Grand Rapids goose-egg, 2-1.

The Moose headed into the final frame leading in goals and in shots 17-15.

Grand Rapids benefited from their sixth man-advantage when Dusty Collins was put away for interference 2:27 into the third, but Manitoba's penalty killers continued their flawless play and didn't allow more than one shot on net.

Back-and-forth play consumed the remainder of the third period and the Griffins pressed on to try and force overtime. Opting to pull Howard in the final minute, the Griffins gave up the puck at centre ice and Jason Jaffray netted an empty-netter to confirm a 3-1 victory for the Moose.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Moose take on the Griffins in Game 4 on Wednesday night at the Van Andel Arena.

NEXT GAME

Wednesday, May 6, 2009 - 6:00 p.m. @ Van Andel Arena

(6:00pm on CJOB Radio with Brian Munz)

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American Hockey League Stories from May 4, 2009


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