The Manitoba Moose (6-16-0-1) play host to the Rockford IceHogs (10-12-3-0) for game one of a two-game weekend set at the Canada Life Centre. Manitoba has been held scoreless for 131:08, a streak they look to break tonight alongside their eight-game winless drought.
The Moose received some additions to their roster in Nikita Chibrikov, who spent four games with the Winnipeg Jets and Dylan Coghlan spent a large portion of the season with the Jets.
This weekend’s set of games marks the fourth and fifth times that the Central Division rivals will meet this season and the third and fourth times they will play in Manitoba.
Players to Watch
Nikita Chibrikov is returning from a four-game stint in the NHL, during which he posted three points (2G, 1A) before being reassigned to the Moose. Chibrikov has 13 points (5G, 8A) in 19 games for the Moose this season and will have a ton of confidence as he returns from his NHL stint.
Dylan Coghlan cleared waivers before the NHL’s Christmas roster freeze and was reassigned to the Manitoba Moose. He played just one game for the Jets before finding his way down to the Moose. He will bring a welcome and much-needed veteran presence to the Moose’s blueline.
Chaz Lucius is looking to add to his point total against Rockford tonight. Lucius has five points (2G, 3A) in his last five games and has been practicing and playing games consistently for the Moose lately.
Pre-Game Report
The Moose have three players on the sidelines right now. Elias Salomonsson, who is expected to return after Christmas, Danny Zhilkin who’s been out with a knee issue but skating in a non-contact jersey, and captain Dominic Toninato who is questionable for tonight’s game. Toninato didn’t skate during the Moose’s Tuesday practice so he’ll remain a game-time decision against Rockford.
Thomas Milic is expected to start tonight as Kaapo Kahkonen is coming off a three-game stretch in the Moosed net.
There are lineup decisions to be made with the return of Chibrikov and the addition of Coghlan. I will post live updates on my X account once lineups are available.
Top Scorers
Manitoba’s led by the following five scorers.
- Nikita Chibrikov with 13 points (5G, 8A)
- Elias Salomonsson (3G, 9A)
- Brad Lambert (3G, 8A)
- Dominic Toninato (6G, 4A)
- Axel Jonsson-Fjallby (1G, 9A)
Manitoba Moose Notes
Season Record: 6-16-0-1
Last 10 Games: 1-8-0-1
Streak: 0-7-0-1
Power Play Percentage: 11.94%
Penalty Kill Percentage: 78.95%
Last Five Games
Manitoba looks to snap their winless drought and end their scoreless streak.
- 2024-12-15: 4-0 loss at Abbotsford
- 2024-12-14: 3-0 loss at Abbotsford
- 2024-12-11: 6-3 loss at Calgary
- 2024-12-10: 6-1 loss at Calgary
- 2024-12-07: 4-3 SOL vs Belleville
Previous Meetings
Manitoba has a win-loss record of 1-2-0-0 against Rockford this season. They look to even the season series tonight.
- 2024-11-15: 3-2 loss at Rockford
- 2024-10-27: 3-1 win vs Rockford
- 2024-10-26: 5-3 loss vs Rockford
Discover more from Inside The Rink
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
