Moose Look To Clinch Aeros In Game 6

Published on May 25, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Manitoba Moose News Release


The Manitoba Moose dropped two consecutive overtime decisions that brought their 10 game winning streak to an end last week in Houston. On Wednesday night, the Moose dropped a 5-4 overtime decision to the Aeros followed by a 4-3 double-overtime loss on Friday night. The Moose look to clinch their first ever Western Conference Title tonight when they welcome back the Aeros for Game 6 at the MTS Centre.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009: Manitoba 4, Houston 5 (OT)

Tensions were high in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final between the Manitoba Moose and Houston Aeros, especially when the hard-fought battle headed to overtime. But only two minutes into the extra period, Aeros sniper Matt Beaudoin fired the game-winner past Cory Schneider to force Game 5 with a 5-4 victory. This loss broke Manitoba's 10 game postseason winning streak and put the series at 3-1.

Friday, May 22, 2009: Manitoba 3, Houston 4 (2OT)

Despite a three-goal rush in the third period to force overtime, the Manitoba Moose dropped a 4-3 decision in double-overtime to the Houston Aeros on Friday night. For the second consecutive night the game was decided in overtime and the Aeros staved off elimination to force Game 6 in Manitoba. Michael Grabner notched the opening Moose goal while Jason Krog and Mark Cullen each scored in the final 20 seconds of the third period. Both Cory Schneider and Curtis Sanford saw ice-time in the loss.

Moose Notes

OVERTIME WOES CONTINUE: Friday night's double overtime loss to the Houston Aeros was Manitoba's fourth longest game in franchise history. It took the Aeros 24:19 to notch a winner in double-overtime against the Moose, bringing the club's overtime record this postseason to 0-3. The longest game the Moose have ever played lasted an extra 37:26 on May 2, 2003 vs. Hamilton (2-1L). The Moose have lost 11 of their last 12 postseason overtime games. Last season, the Moose lost all four games in overtime in the North Division Semi-Final versus Syracuse. Overall, five of the six games of that series went to overtime. All-in-all in their playoff history, the Moose are 11-16 when embarking on extra-time and 6-12 since joining the AHL.

CLINCHING IN GAME 6: MIf the Moose are able to pull off a victory tonight against the Aeros they will clinch their first Western Conference Title in franchise history. The Moose have a 5-2 record in Game 6 when considering their IHL and AHL history. The last time Manitoba won a Game 6 was on April 25, 2009 against Toronto, when they beat the Marlies to clinch the North Division Semi-Final. The Moose are 2-0 in series-clinching Game 6's, defeating Syracuse 3-2 in overtime on April 30, 2006.

SANDMAN MAKES HIS DEBUT: For the first time this postseason goaltender Curtis Sanford stood between the pipes for the Moose, relieving Cory Schneider after the second period on Friday night. In his first appearance, Sanford stopped 22 of 23 shots in his 42 minutes played. The Ontario native holds a 1.40 GAA and 0.957 SV% after the loss.

Upcoming Opponent

The Manitoba Moose look to clinch their first-ever Western Conference Title tonight at the MTS Centre in Game 6 against the Aeros.

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American Hockey League Stories from May 25, 2009


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