DES MOINES, Iowa – Bradley Marek forced overtime with a late goal and Riley Mercer (31 saves) turned in a showstopping save in the shootout as the Iowa Wild beat the Manitoba Moose 3-2 at Casey’s Center on Friday night.
Danny Zhilkin snuck the puck across the goal line 8:15 into the game to give Manitoba a 1-0 lead.
The Moose outshot the Wild 13-9 in the first 20 minutes.
Riley Heidt evened the score with a wrister from the high slot that beat Thomas Milic (25 saves) 5:24 into the middle frame. Ryan Sandelin and Marek assisted on Heidt’s goal.
Iowa outshot Manitoba 18-17 through two periods.
Manitoba appeared poised to win the game in regulation after Dawson Barteaux found the back of the net off through a screen with 1:29 remaining.
The Wild responded and forced overtime just 22 seconds later. With Mercer pulled in favor of the extra attacker, David Spacek set up Ben Jones at the point and Marek deflected the puck through Milic.
Following a scoreless overtime, Mercer turned in the save of the season in the opening round of the shootout. Zhilkin stepped around the Iowa goaltender and appeared poised to score on an empty net, but Mercer spun backward and gloved Zhilkin’s shot.
After Caedan Bankier scored in the bottom of the first round, Mercer stopped Jacob Julien and Hunter Haight secured the extra point with a backhand finish.
Manitoba outshot Iowa 33-28. The Wild killed off all four Moose power plays and did not skate with the man advantage.
