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Moose Take Down Marlies 4-1

January 18, 2011 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Manitoba Moose News Release


Manitoba Moose (23-12-1-4) faced their North Division rivals, the Toronto Marlies (20-17-0-7), on Tuesday night for the first time this season. The game against the Marlies came at the season's halfway mark for the Moose as they trailed only the Hamilton Bulldogs for the lead in the North Division. The Moose built up a 3-0 lead that the Marlies couldn't overcome. Hometown forward Kevin Clark recorded a goal and two assists for Manitoba and the final score was 4-1 for the Moose in front of 6,264 at MTS Centre.

As the first period went underway Marlies winger Jerry D'Amigo took a penalty for high sticking at 6:28. The Moose went on the first power play of the game but the best chance produced went to Marlies winger Jeff Cowan who escaped his own zone on on a shorthanded breakaway. He faked forehand and went backhand but was denied by the glove of Moose goaltender Tyler Weiman.

At 12:24, the Marlies took another penalty. This time rookie Jerry D'Amigo went away for high sticking. The Moose were able to circulate the puck in the offensive zone and get some shots on goaltender James Reimer. After a shot from Nolan Baumgartner hopped over a defender's stick, Mario Bliznak was in perfect position to take a couple jabs at the puck which rolled between the legs of Reimer and gave the Moose the 1-0 lead at 13:03. The goal was Bliznak's sixth of the season and the assist by Baumgartner extended his consecutive point streak to seven games (1g,8a).

In the final minutes of the first, a forcheck by Marco Rosa gave the Moose another opportunity as home grown Winnipegger Kevin Clark sent the puck over to Bill Sweatt who made no mistake shooting top shelf.

Early into the second period the Moose controlled the play keeping it deep in the Marlies zone. At 18:18, Bliznak circled around the net flicking a pass in front that Clark was able to bat out of the air past Reimer giving Clark his third point of the game. The goal marked Clark's first three-point game in the AHL.

Moose goaltender Tyler Weiman was put to the test at 7:21 as a host of Marlies surrounded the net swatting at a loose puck. The sprawling Weiman was able to get possession among the scrum and denied the opportunity.

At the end of the second frame, the Moose continued to lead in shots 22-18 and kept the Marlies scoreless at 3-0.

The third period began with Moose defenceman Evan Oberg taking a penalty for interference.

Just as the Moose had successfully killed the penalty, the Marlies broke out on a two on one. Jerry D'Amigo sent a saucer pass over the stick of Oberg right on the tape of Josh Engel's stick who put the puck past Weiman ruining his chances of a shutout.

In a desperate attempt to even the score, the Marlies pulled Reimer with four minutes remaining in the game.

The Marlies turned the puck up ice and desperately tried to score but the Moose net was knocked off its moorings and the opportunity passed. Shortly after Moose forward Shawn Weller gained possession at center ice and hit the open net unassisted putting the Moose up 4-1 and securing the win. The Moose host the Marlies in the rematch tomorrow night at MTS Centre. Manitoba will also take on the Abbotsford Heat at home this week with games on Friday night and Sunday afternoon. Sunday is Nolan Baumgartner Bobblehead Day when the first 5,000 fans will receive the limited edition bobblehead doll. Game time on Sunday is 12:00 p.m. with doors open at 11:00 a.m.

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American Hockey League Stories from January 18, 2011


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