WINNIPEG – The Manitoba Moose and the Stockton Heat hooked up for the fourth and final time this season with the Manitoba side sporting a 1-0-1-1 record against the Heat, who currently hold down 11th place in the AHL’s Western Conference.
A rather uneventful first period saw some sloppy play from both sides as they jockeyed for position and opportunities. The Moose finally got things going with a power play marker from Jake Baker – a gorgeous slapper from the top of the circle that eluded Heat tender Kevin Poulin at 12:24. Assists went to Brenden Kitchton and Brant Harris on the play. Shots on goal after 20 minutes were 12-6 in favor of the Moose.
The second frame saw an almost exact re-creation of the first with some uninspired play from both sides, however the Moose get the edge in keeping Stockton’s shots to the outside or blocking them effectively. Manitoba doubled their lead with a textbook tip in off the stick of Darren Kramer at the top of the crease. Aaron Harstad and Ben Walker assisting at the 12:46 mark. John Albert made it 3-0 when a pinball shot from the point ended up on his stick in the slot. The captain made no mistake burying the gift with only 13 seconds left in the period, with assists going to Patrice Cormier and Andrew MacWilliam. Shots after 40 minutes continued to favor the Moose with a 21-11 edge.
Stockton finally broke through and spoiled the shutout for Connor Hellebuyck on only their 14th shot of the night with an unassisted tally off the stick of Mitchell Heard. Things got really interesting just over a minute later when Kenny Agostino put another past the big Moose goaltender to make it 3-2 with just over half the period remaining. The Moose pressed back but had no luck ringing shots off the post twice to keep the difference at one goal. The Heat pulled Poulin for the extra attacker but to no avail falling to the Moose 3-2, giving Manitoba the victory in both games here at MTS Centre.
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