Moose Weekly

Published on April 14, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Manitoba Moose News Release


MOOSE EARN THREE POINTS IN FINAL WEEK OF REGULAR SEASON

The Manitoba Moose concluded the 2007-08 regular season with a loss and overtime loss in Grand Rapids and then a win in Toronto. Despite earning three points this past week, the Moose were unable to secure second home-ice advantage for the opening round of the Calder Cup Playoffs and will now head to Syracuse for Games 1 & 2 of the North Division Semi-final this week.

Friday, April 11, 2008: Manitoba 3 - Grand Rapids 6 L Though the Moose kept grasping at comeback, the Griffins converted an early two-goal lead into a 6-3 victory Friday night. Alexandre Bolduc, Colby Genoway, and Greg Rallo scored for the Moose, while Griffins forward Evan McGrath led all skaters with three points in the game. (view game recap)

Saturday, April 12, 2008: Manitoba 2 - Grand Rapids 3 OTL The Moose came from behind to force overtime Saturday night, but the Griffins completed the two-game sweep thanks to an overtime game-winner from Evan McGrath. Griffins goalie Jimmy Howard stopped 23 shots for the 3-2 win, while Cory Schneider stopped 28 for only his second loss in 14 starts. (view game recap)

Sunday, April 13, 2008: Manitoba 4 - Toronto 3 W In the final game of the regular season, the Marlies battled back from an early two-goal deficit, but the Moose finished on top of a 4-3 decision thanks to a third-period goal by defenceman Maxime Fortunus and clutch saves from Cory Schneider. (view game recap)

This week, Manitoba heads to Syracuse for the first two games of the best-of-seven North Division Semi-final Friday and Saturday nights. The series then moves to Manitoba for a minimum of two games next Tuesday and Friday nights. If necessary, Game 5 is scheduled for Saturday, Apr. 26 at the MTS Centre.

Friday, Apr. 18 & Saturday, Apr. 19: The Moose and Crunch split their four-game season series in 07-08, with both clubs winning both games in their respective home rinks. By going 2-2-0-0 this season, Manitoba is now 12-9-2-1 all-time vs. Syracuse, including 7-3-1-1 at Manitoba and 5-6-1-0 in New York. In 2006-07, the Moose went 5-1-2-0 vs. the Crunch, including registering at least one point in every game at the MTS Centre with a 3-0-1-0 record. Manitoba and Syracuse have one previous playoff encounter in 2006. After dropping the first two games in Syracuse, the Moose battled back to win the following four and progress to the North Division Final. That playoff series was Syracuse's most recent playoff experience.

AFTER 80 GAMES: The 2007-08 season was another successful one for the Manitoba Moose. The club finished 46-27-3-4 for 99 points and their second-most wins and fourth-most points in franchise history. The Moose finished 11th overall (17.8 %) in powerplay percentage and 14th overall (83.6%) on the penalty kill. At home, the club was third in penalty killing by stifling 87.8% of visitor powerplays. Manitoba also finished 8th in fewest penalty minutes with 1407, only 13 minutes more than their franchise record of 1394 in 2003-04.

REWRITING THE RECORD BOOK: Upon concluding the regular season with a 4-3 win Sunday afternoon in Toronto, Manitoba officially broke or matched five franchise records. Their longest-ever road winning streak (8 games from Feb. 24 to Mar. 28) helped them finish 23-14-2-1 on the road and tie the franchise record for most road wins. The Moose also matched their longest overall winning streak (10 games, Mar. 2-26) and longest point streak (13 games, Feb. 28 to Mar. 28). In addition, the club's stingy defence allowed the fewest goals in franchise history (185 - old record was 201 last season) while its forwards scored the fewest powerplay goals in 12 seasons (69 - old record was 70, 1996-97).

REWRITING THE RECORD BOOK, PT. II: A handful of Moose players have also set new standards for the Moose this season. Brad Moran set a new franchise record for the longest multi-point streak with seven games from Mar.15-28. Rookie skater Michael Grabner also added his name to the record books under the headings of most rookie goals (22), game winning goals (5), and powerplay goals (5). Fellow rookie Cory Schneider tied one goaltending record and set three rookie goaltending records. He matched the club's longest winning streak by winning nine games from Feb. 17 - Mar. 26 and set the new record for most rookie games played (36), wins (21), and best goals against average (2.28).

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American Hockey League Stories from April 14, 2008


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