Moose edge Marlies, 2-1

TORONTO – The Manitoba Moose (20-5-1-2) shut down the Toronto Marlies (21-6-0-0) by a 2-1 score on Saturday. Toronto controlled the play early, but were unable to solve netminder Michael Hutchinson. Manitoba then drew back-to-back power plays, but were unable to capitalize against the AHL’s top PK unit. With just over two minutes remaining in the period the Marlies went on their first man advantage, but Hutchinson stood tall again, flying across the crease to stop a point-blank chance from Toronto. The Marlies outshot the Moose 11-6 after the first frame, but the game remained scoreless.

It was Manitoba that started fast in the second period, with Peter Stoykewych scoring his fifth of the season, tying a career high, 1:10 into the frame. Mason Appleton and Nic Petan were awarded the assists on the goal and the Moose took the first lead of the day. From that point on the action was end to end with Hutchinson and Marlies goalie Garret Sparks stopping odd man rushes and breakaways. Toronto started pressing again in the last five minutes of the second, but blocks by the defence and Hutchinson’s calm demeanor kept Toronto scoreless.

The final frame was more of the same from the net minders. Sparks stopped a two-on-one chance from JC Lipon, and a breakaway from Mason Appleton in quick succession, while Hutchinson frustrated the Marlies and their fans, who were waiting for a goal to cue their Teddy Bear Toss. After killing a few late penalties, the Moose extended their lead thanks to hard work from Mason Appleton, giving way to an empty net goal for captain Patrice Cormier.  Jeremy Bracco finally solved Hutchinson with just 21 seconds left and the net empty, ending the shutout bid, but the Moose held on for the 2-1 victory.

Quick Hits

• The Moose have now gone 13 games without a regulation loss. That ties the franchise record for consecutive games recording a point set in 1997-98 and 2009-10.
• Michael Hutchinson is now 10-0-1 in his last eleven starts.
• Mason Appleton’s two-assist night was the eighth multi-point game of his rookie season.
• The Moose now lead the AHL with 43 points on the season, and sit second in the league standings behind Toronto with a .768 winning percentage.
• Attendance was announced at 5,070.