The Moose are in a bit of a rough patch, dropping four straight games and complicating their playoff hopes. While they're still holding onto a playoff spot with an 11-point cushion over the IceHogs, their chances of catching the Wolves for second place or securing home-ice advantage over the Stars have taken a hit. Now, they're focused on keeping the Admirals at bay, who are just three points behind.
This morning brought news that Parker Ford and Danny Zhilkin were called up by the Jets on an emergency basis, leaving the Moose without two key forwards. They're also missing David Gustafsson due to injury, and prospect Alfons Freij missed his second game with illness.
Tyrel Bauer, having missed the last two games, participated in warm-ups, suggesting a potential 11/7 lineup. However, Reece Vitelli, who had been recalled earlier, was ready to play, allowing the Moose to stick with a 12/6 setup.
Moose Lineup:
- Shaw-Julien-Duehr
- Fagemo-JAD-Chibrikov
- Wagner-Yager-Di Giuseppe
- Vitelli-Yoder-Barlow
Defense:
- Sautner-Anhorn
- Phillips-Larochelle
- Clague-Barteaux
Goaltender:
- DiVincentiis
Game Breakdown:
The Moose started strong but faltered late in the first period, conceding three goals in just over two minutes, putting the Senators up 3-0. The second period was scoreless, but the Moose couldn't shake off their struggles, allowing another goal just 25 seconds into the third. The AHL’s top scorer, Arthur Kaliyev, capped off the night with a hat trick, pushing the Senators to a 5-0 lead.
With 3:16 left in the game, play was halted due to a medical emergency, sealing a 5-0 defeat for the Moose in Belleville. This loss means the Moose missed a chance to close the gap on the Stars, who are in third. Meanwhile, the Admirals turned their game around from a 2-0 deficit to a win, now just one point behind the Moose.
Stay tuned for highlights.