After a hard-fought weekend split against the AHL-leading Griffins - a 2-1 loss Friday followed by a gritty 3-2 bounce-back win on Sunday - the Manitoba Moose were off Monday to regroup. The team came out of the weekend with mixed news: defenseman Isaak Phillips was recalled to the NHL, and forward Walker Duehr missed Sunday’s game with an injury that’s now being monitored closely.
Tuesday Skate Notes:
The Moose were back on the ice Tuesday morning, and the skate featured a mostly full group. The only absence?
Walker Duehr. That absence wasn’t unexpected, and there’s now some clarity on his situation.
Injury Update:
Head coach Mark Morrison confirmed that Duehr is dealing with a lower-body injury. The good news?
It’s not expected to be long term. “They say in two days he could feel a lot better and be skating, so it’s day-to-day right now for us,” Morrison said.
“We’re just waiting for it to heal.” That’s a promising sign for a player who’s been a steady contributor in the lineup.
Projected Lines and Pairings:
Here’s how things shaped up at Tuesday’s skate:
Forwards:
- Lambert - Ford - Di Giuseppe
- Shaw - Gustafsson - Chibrikov
- Julien - Yager - JAD
- Barlow - Zhilkin - Fagemo
- Empey - Wagner
Defense:
- Heinola - Barteaux
- Anhorn - Clague
- Sautner - Bauer
- Zloty (rotating)
Goaltenders:
- Milic & DiVincentiis
With Duehr out, the Moose are leaning on their forward depth. The top line of Brad Lambert, Jeff Malott, and Phil Di Giuseppe (note: Di Giuseppe’s presence adds veteran stability) continues to be a focal point, while the second unit featuring Dominic Toninato and Nikita Chibrikov provides a blend of experience and youth. Zack Ostapchuk and Colby Barlow are also getting more looks in the bottom six as they push for larger roles.
On the blue line, Ville Heinola continues to anchor the top pair, this time alongside Dean Barteaux. Heinola’s puck movement and poise under pressure remain key components of the Moose transition game. Meanwhile, the second pairing of Wyatt Anhorn and Kale Clague offers a steady presence, with Clague bringing NHL experience to the mix.
In net, both Thomas Milic and Domenic DiVincentiis were active at practice. The Moose have leaned on a tandem approach this season, and both young goalies have shown flashes of strong play.
Looking Ahead:
With the Griffins series in the rearview, the Moose are entering a stretch where lineup flexibility could be key. Losing Phillips to the NHL and having Duehr day-to-day means younger players will need to step up and make the most of their ice time. The coaching staff continues to juggle development and competitiveness, and this week’s practices will be crucial in setting the tone for the games ahead.
We’ll keep an eye on Duehr’s status as the week progresses, but for now, the Moose are moving forward with a next-man-up mentality - something they’ve handled well all season.