Manitoba Moose Set for Ontario Showdown
The Manitoba Moose are gearing up for a crucial road swing through Ontario, starting with a face-off against the Toronto Marlies. The Moose, sitting at 29-24-5-1, are looking to rebound after a 4-1 setback against the Tucson Roadrunners. Meanwhile, the Marlies, with a 31-21-5-5 record, are also hungry for a win following their narrow 4-3 loss to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
Homecoming Vibes
For several Moose players, this trip has a special homecoming feel. Ontario natives Phil Di Giuseppe, Domenic DiVincentiis, Isaak Phillips, Colby Barlow, and Jacob Julien are all within a stone's throw of Toronto.
Danny Zhilkin, although Moscow-born, cut his teeth in Toronto’s minor hockey scene. Expect a solid turnout of local supporters as the Moose navigate this four-game road trip.
DiVincentiis has fond memories here, having delivered stellar performances in Toronto last season with 51 saves over two games.
North Division Dominance
The Moose are wrapping up their schedule against North Division foes, with two clashes against the Marlies and a pair against the Belleville Senators. They've been on a tear, boasting a 6-2-0-0 record against the North Division, riding a four-game win streak.
Earlier this month, they swept the Laval Rocket and took two from the Marlies at home. Standouts like David Gustafsson, Walker Duehr, and Mason Shaw have been pivotal, each racking up five points in these matchups.
Goalies DiVincentiis and Thomas Milic have been brick walls, conceding only two goals in their last two encounters with the Marlies.
Milestone Moments
Danny Zhilkin just celebrated his 150th AHL game with flair, netting a goal against Tucson. This season, he’s setting personal bests across the board with 22 points (11G, 11A). Drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in 2022, Zhilkin had a brief NHL stint before returning to the Moose, where he’s become a key player.
Hot Streak Alert
Jaret Anderson-Dolan is heating up at the right time, posting five points (3G, 2A) in his last five outings. He’s currently riding a three-game point streak, the longest active one on the team, with four points in that span. With 27 points (11G, 16A) this season, Anderson-Dolan is proving to be a clutch performer, notching three game-winners.
As the Moose hit the ice at Coca-Cola Coliseum, they’re not just playing for points but also for pride, with a strong contingent of hometown fans ready to cheer them on.