Moose Top In North After Week 18

Published on February 9, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Manitoba Moose News Release


The Manitoba Moose earned seven of eight possible points in Week 18, sweeping a doubleheader against the Lake Erie Monsters (5-0W & 3-2W), dropping a shootout decision to the Providence Bruins (2-3SOL) and edging the Manchester Monarchs (3-2W). Goaltender Cory Schneider earned his third shutout of the season against the Monsters on Monday night, while also earning a win and dropping a shootout loss. Curtis Sanford stopped 19 shots on Sunday afternoon for his third win of the season, while earning an assist.

Monday, February 2, 2008: Manitoba 5, Lake Erie 0

The Manitoba Moose scored five unanswered goals to beat the Lake Erie Monsters 5-0 at the MTS Centre on Monday night. Cory Schneider earned his third shutout stifling 17 shots for the second time Manitoba has blanked the Monsters this season. Jason Krog, Greg Rallo, Josh Soares, Nolan Baumgartner and Mike Keane all notched points while Guillaume Desbiens finished with a three-point night as well as first-star honours.

Tuesday, February 3, 2008: Manitoba 3, Lake Erie 2

The Manitoba Moose were leading by three until the latter half of the third period, when the Monsters managed to come back with two goals to make it a one-goal game in the final minutes. Despite the last period surge, the Moose were able to hold onto their lead and swept their only home series against the Monsters with a 3-2 final. Alexandre Bolduc, Dylan Yeo and Nolan Baumgartner added a goal to their resume, while Captain Mike Keane played in his 1500th professional game in front of 6130 fans at the MTS Centre.

Friday, February 6, 2008: Manitoba 2, Providence 3

Down 2-1 in the late minutes of the third period seemed to spell disaster for the Manitoba Moose Friday night, but Guillaume Desbiens' shorthanded marker with four minutes left forced extra time vs. the Providence Bruins. The valiant Moose comeback wouldn't carry the club to a franchise record ninth straight road win, however, as goaltender Tuukka Rask stopped all but one sniper in a 3-2 shootout victory over the Moose at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

Sunday, February 8, 2008: Manitoba 3, Manchester 2

One powerplay goal, a shorthanded goal, and nearly perfect penalty killing helped push the Manitoba Moose past the Manchester Monarchs 3-2 in Sunday's matinee performance at the Verizon Wireless Arena. Jason Jaffray, Dusty Collins and Guillaume Desbiens all notched goals for the visitors, while Curtis Sanford blocked 19 shots and earned an assist in his third win this season.

Moose Notes

SNAPPING AN EIGHT-GAME STREAK: After dropping a 3-2 shootout decision to the Providence Bruins on Friday night, Manitoba snapped their eight game road winning streak, the longest of the season which matched the longest in franchise history. Week 18 was all against the Atlantic Division, and the Moose will be looking to improve its 4-1-0-1 against their Eastern Conference rivals this week as well. The Moose have hosted and swept the Manchester Monarchs already this season (4-2W & 3-2W) and split their only home series with the Hartford Wolf Pack (3-6L & 3-2OTW). So far this year, the Moose are 14-6-0-1 vs. the North and will resume games within their division on Feb. 20th when they visit the Grand Rapids Griffins.

SUFFERING A SHOOTOUT: For the fourth time this season, the Moose dropped a 3-2 shootout decision to the Providence Bruins on Friday night at the Dunkin' Donuts Center. So far this season, Manitoba has encountered eight shootouts, winning four and dropping four. Prior to Friday, the last time Manitoba suffered a shootout loss was on Jan. 29th vs. the Rockford IceHogs at the MTS Centre (1-2SOL). Mike Keane was the only Moose player to capitalize in the shootout on Friday, while Josh Soares, Jason Krog, Jason Jaffray and Alexandre Bolduc all missed their attempts. Last season, the Moose finished 7-3-4 in a shootout, for 22nd overall in the AHL.

Upcoming Opponents

The Manitoba Moose continue their 10-game road tour when they take on the Hartford Wolf Pack on Wednesday, February 11th followed by a rematch against Manchester on Friday, February 13th.

Player of the Week Nominee

Guillaume Desbiens

Desbiens appeared in all four games for the Moose this week and continued his hot streak with two goals and three assists this week... He paced the Moose to a 5-0 win over the Lake Erie Monsters with three assits, his first three-point night this season... He followed that up with a shorthanded goal, his second of the season, in Friday's loss to Providence, that forced overtime and then a shootout... On Sunday afternoon he added a game-winning goal to his tally to edge the Monarchs 3-2... Desbiens is now on a two-game goal streak and has five points in his last four games... He accumulated eight shots and finished +5 this past week.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



American Hockey League Stories from February 9, 2009


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