The Manitoba Moose welcomes the Abbotsford Canucks to the Canada Life Centre for game one of a two-game weekend series. The all-Canadian game saw both teams face each other for the first time in the 2023-24 season. Manitoba is looking to rebound off a 4-1 loss to the Grand Rapids Griffins with a win over the Abbotsford Canucks.
Did you miss the game? Don’t worry! We have you covered with this post-game recap!
Moose Dominate Canucks in First Period
After the first 20 minutes, the Manitoba Moose dominated the Abbotsford Canucks in more than just shots-on-goal. Yes, the Moose led 14-2 in shots after the first 20 minutes and pulled away with just a 1-0 lead. A well-rounded effort from the entire defensive core of the Moose saw strong showings from Ville Heinola, Dawson Barteaux, and Tyrel Bauer. Kyle Capobianco posted the lone goal of the first period assisted by Dawson Barteaux and Nikita Chibrikov.
As the game intensified, the Manitoba Moose pushed back after Abbotsford’s players continued to hit the Moose hard and sometimes a little high. Heading into the second period, the watch for more skirmishes continued, and the kids in attendance would be able to chant “Fight!’ some more.
Dominant Second Period for Manitoba, Abbotsford Makes Sure It Stays Tied
If someone told you that Manitoba posted 21 shots on goal to Abbotsford’s six in the second period, you’d probably ask them what the score was, right? I would too. Manitoba only scored one goal in the second period to Abbotsford’s two goals. After the second period, the Moose and Canucks remained tied at 2-2.
Kristian Reichel scored for the Moose on the power play after a beautiful feed from Jeffrey Viel. This celebration would only last 31 seconds as Max Sasson would score during the announcement of Reichel’s goal. Later in the frame, Tyrel Bauer was called for tripping and halfway through that penalty kill for Manitoba, Linus Karlsson would score on the power play to tie the game at 2-2.
A few missed calls and lots of rough stuff in the remainder of the second period weirdly enough saw the whistles be put away. Manitoba would end the second period outshooting Abbotsford 35-8 and needed to enter the third period with a jump.
Abbotsford Stays Resilient, Manitoba Pushes Hard Enough to Secure Win
In the third period, Manitoba would slow down their overwhelming amount of shots, but they solved Nikita Tolopilo a third time to secure the victory.
John Stevens would take an early slashing penalty giving Manitoba their third power play of the game. While the Moose wouldn’t score during the power play, Jeffrey Viel found the back of the net just five seconds after the power play expired.
Later in the frame, Brad Lambert was called for hooking and the Moose needed to rally together and kill this penalty. The effective puck clearance and gap control allowed for one shot during this Canucks power play. However, Abbotsford would then pull the goalie in an attempt to tie the game, but the Moose would continue to show their determination and rally for a 3-2 victory. The shots on goal might’ve not reflected how dominant the game was for Manitoba, but this game screamed all Moose in every aspect of the game.
Notable Statistics
Jeffrey Viel and Kyle Capobianco both recorded a one-goal and assist (two-point) game for the Manitoba Moose. Viel also led the game in shots on goal with nine, and Parker Ford recorded six shots on goal.
Nikita Tolopilo recorded a 42-save game. He faced 45 shots total and his 42-save performance netted him a 0.933 save percentage and a goals-against average of 3.12.
Post Game Comments from Nicolas Jones, Kyle Capobianco & Head Coach Mark Morrison
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