Power Struggle

Published on February 21, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Manitoba Moose News Release


The Manitoba Moose entered last week on top of the North Division but with several teams closing in quickly. At one point this week, five teams were separated by three points in the North Division. Manitoba saw their grip on the North Division slip away after a pair of home series against Toronto and Lake Erie. The Moose did close out the week on a high note with a win in front of their largest crowd of the season.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011: Manitoba 1, Toronto 2 The Moose had owned the Toronto Marlies through three games this season but in this game, it appeared to be the Marlies goalie that owned them. Ben Scrivens, who hadn't faced the Moose yet this season, made 34 saves in the game and was beaten only once in the first period by Guillaume Desbiens. Justin Hodgman and Matt Caruana tallied for the Marlies in their first win against Manitoba.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011: Manitoba 3, Toronto 5 Both teams were determined to test the opposing goaltender early with Manitoba and Toronto counting 32 shots on goal before the first intermission. Tyler Weiman and Ben Scrivens were perfect until that point, but the floodgates opened in the second period. Toronto opened up a 4-1 lead early in the third period but Manitoba made it a one-goal game with goals by Ryan McGinnis and Cody Hodgson. Marlies forward Ryan Hamilton sank an empty netter with three seconds left to finish off the game and his hat trick.

Friday, February 18, 2011: Manitoba 1, Lake Erie 5 The Lake Erie Monsters entered Friday's game on a four-game winning streak while the Moose crawled in with one win over their previous six games. But regardless of how they got there, both teams sat tied for top spot in the North Division. The Monsters peppered Eddie Lack with 15 shots in the first period. They entered the second period with a 2-0 lead that the Moose cut into but couldnUt overcome. The Monsters officially grabbed the division lead with a 5-1 win over the hometown Moose.

Saturday, February 19, 2011: Manitoba 4, Lake Erie 2 The Manitoba Moose dedicated this game to local minor hockey and wore Gateway Flyers jerseys in recognition of Gateway Community Centre, who won the Moose Community Jersey Program. The orange, black, and white jerseys were a different look for the Moose, as was their play based on recent performances. Manitoba racked up a four-goal lead by the game's halfway point. Despite a late charge by the Monsters, Manitoba defended their lead capping off a 4-2 win in front of their largest crowd of the season.

Moose Notes

DESBIENS WITH HELP FROM BOLDUC: Moose forward Guillaume Desbiens recorded five points (3g, 2a) in four games last week. Prior to his offensive outburst, he had one assist in his previous nine games. Part of his recent success can be attributed to the return of long-time teammate Alexandre Bolduc. Since Bolduc was re-assigned to the Moose on Feb. 8, Desbiens has three goals in six games with Bolduc assisting or on the ice for all three. Desbiens has played in 174 career games with the Moose while Bolduc has now played in 210.

PUTTING ON A SHOW: The largest home crowd of the season supported the Moose to a 4-2 win on Saturday with 14,775 in attendance on Hockey Night in Manitoba. The Moose, who have the second best attendance in the AHL, have played great in front of large crowds this season. The Moose have played to more than 9,000 fans at MTS Centre five times and have a record of 5-0-0-0 in those games.

A PLETHORA OF 'D': When it comes to the American Hockey League, it's not always injuries on your own team that will shake things up. With recently signed Geoff Waugh added to their blue line in Friday night's game, the Moose have dressed their 12th different defenceman. Four of those 12 d-men (Chris Tanev, Yann Sauve, Sami Salo, Lee Sweatt) that have dressed for the Moose are currently on the roster of the Vancouver Canucks. Nolan Baumgartner leads Moose blue line with 50 games played with the Moose. Mark Flood leads the D-corps in scoring with 27 points (7g, 20a) in 39 games.

Upcoming Opponents

Vs. Americans - Feb. 23 & 25 - 6:05 p.m. & 6:35 p.m. Vs. Marlies - Feb. 26 & Feb. 27 - 2:00 p.m. & 12:00 p.m.

Manitoba played six home games in eight nights but will not see the inside of MTS Centre for nearly a month. They will play their first of 11 straight road games on Wednesday night in Rochester. The next Moose home game is Mar. 15 when they host Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Player of the Week Nominee

Guillaume Desbiens

Guillaume Desbiens rode a season high three-game goal streak from Feb. 15-18. His first goal of the week on Feb. 15 was scored shorthanded, the fourth of his AHL career. Desbiens played in his 250th AHL game on Tuesday vs. Toronto.

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American Hockey League Stories from February 21, 2011


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