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The Playoff Drive

March 29, 2011 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Manitoba Moose News Release


Playoffs have arrived early for the Manitoba Moose. That's what Head Coach Claude Noel announced when looking at his team's remaining nine-game schedule heading into this past week's series against Abbotsford. The Moose won both games against the Heat finishing their season series against their Canadian counterparts with a record of 6-0-0-2 while also setting themselves up well with seven games to go in the North Division race.

Friday, March 25, 2011: Manitoba 3, Abbotsford 2 (SO) One start after being pulled for the first time this season, Moose goalie Eddie Lack was heroic in the first period stopping 19 shots by the Heat allowing his team a chance to open the scoring. Marco Rosa scored Manitoba's second goal of the game in his first game since suffering an injury on Jan. 21. Lack made 45 saves in regulation before stoning Abbotsford in the shootout round. Meanwhile Manitoba's Sergei Shirokov, Garth Murray, and Bill Sweatt all scored in the shootout securing the 3-2 win.

Sunday, March 27, 2011: Manitoba 2, Abbotsford 1 Manitoba's top players on Friday were again their top guys on Sunday with Eddie Lack putting on a 44-save effort in the rematch and Marco Rosa scoring the game winning goal early in the third period. The Heat opened the scoring but Lack closed the door after that. Mark Flood scored on the power play and Rosa sealed the deal in the final frame. The Moose completed their season series against the Heat with a 2-1 win.

Moose Notes

WEEKDAY WARRIORS: The Moose play their last weekday series of the regular season when they take on Rochester on Tuesday and Wednesday. In game played during the week between Monday and Thursday, the Moose have a record of 10-10-0-3 this season. They've played 10 at home and were perfect during the week going 6-0-0-0 until being swept by the Marlies on Feb. 15 & 16 and by the Penguins on Mar. 15 & 16.

OFFENSIVE ABOUT DEFENCE: The Moose have had 43 goals scored from defencemen accounting for 21% of the team's goals this season. After Mark Flood's power play marker on Sunday, the Moose now have a pair of d-men with 10 or more goals this season. Flood has a goal in each of his last two games and six points (2g, 6a) over the past eight games. Kevin Connauton has 11 goals and assisted on Flood's PPG on Sunday. Flood (5g, 10a on PP) is now tied with Nolan Baumgarter (3g, 12a on PP) for the team lead in power play points.

ROSA'S REUNION TOUR: Moose centre Marco Rosa continues his strong return to Manitoba's lineup after missing 29 straight games with a lower body injury. Rosa scored in his first game back on Friday night, then scored the game winning goal on Sunday against Abbotsford. Rosa also added an assist in his second game back. Stretching back to his hot streak prior to the injury, Rosa has 16 points (6g, 10a) in his last 15 games. Rosa was injured on Jan. 21/11 and returned on Mar. 25/11.

Upcoming Opponents

Vs. Americans - Mar. 29 & 30 - 7:30 p.m. @ Americans - Apr. 1 - 6:35 p.m. @ Hamilton - Apr. 2 - 3:00 p.m. @ Marlies - Apr. 3 - 12:00 p.m.

The Moose will knock out five of their remaining seven games this week. Before heading out on the road, Manitoba hosts the Rochester Americans on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Moose visit the Amerks on Friday, Bulldogs on Saturday, and Marlies on Sunday. The matinee in Toronto will be broadcast live on CBC with a noon puck drop.

Player of the Week Nominee

Eddie Lack

Manitoba's rookie netminder Eddie Lack recorded a save percentage of 0.967 in back-to-back wins over Abbotsford... Lack faced a season high 47 shots in Friday's win before stopping three of three shooters in the shootout... Lack earned his 25th and 26th wins this season and is now tied for third in the league...

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