Manitoba Moose

As the final horn sounded at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, all of the Moose players rushed over to Cory Schneider to celebrate yet another series victory. Well...almost all of them. Mark Fistric, being the warrior that he is, had a key shot block with 30 seconds remaining and was unable to get up due to the pain. While he was helped off the ice before the traditional handshakes, he got a pat on the back from his fellow teammates; he showed no fear, and that he would do anything it takes to win a game.

The boys decided to get it done quickly this series, rather than coming back to Winnipeg to play two more games in front of the hometown fans. Personally, I was surprised that the Moose were able to sweep such an offensively talented team like Grand Rapids. A lot of credit has to go the defense for shutting down their top players Haydar, Leino and Abdelkader. They were almost invisible throughout the series, and when one of them did break through with a scoring opportunity, Schneids was there to slam the door shut.

In the first two games played at the MTS Centre, the Griffins were really trying to get into the head of Schneider. They were setting up a lot of screens in front of the net, as well as invading his crease every chance they had. In one incident, Aaron Downey launched a flying elbow at the head of Schneider long after the whistle had gone. His helmet rocketed into the air, and he was flat on his back. It took about half a second for every Moose player on the ice to be on Downey, pounding him. To me, this was what completely swung the momentum of the series in favour of the Moose. They had to fight to keep their cool, but the team rallied around one another and played like the number one team that they are.

The Moose are now rewarded with a well deserved break. Although, I don't know if they want one considering the quality hockey they've been playing. In any case, it will give the team a chance to reflect on what went well for them against the Griffins, and what they might need to change for round 3. It will also give injured bodies (McIver, Grabner, Labrie and Fistric), a chance to heal properly to resume battle once more.

Key Moose Players In Round 2:

Cory Schneider: It's not an easy task to live up to the expectations of being the best goalie in the league, but against the Griffins Schneider did it again. Stopping 101 out of 106 shots, for a .953 save percentage and a 1.25 G.A.A. it's safe to say Cory did everything necessary, plus more to vault the Moose into the next round.

Alexander Bolduc: After missing the second half of the first round, Bolduc came out flying to start round two. Along with the usual edge he plays with, he was scoring goals and setting up teammates. With 5 points in 4 games, he was all over the ice. He was definitely the most effective player on the ice for all games.

Mike Keane: This 42 year old can still play with the best of them. Playing alongside Mario Bliznak and Guillaume Desbiens, Keane was the main reason why the Griffins snipers couldn't get anything going. With air-tight checking, shot blocking and all the intangibles the Moose Captain led by example.

P.S. How is Aaron Downey a professional hockey player? He can barely stand on his skates.

GO MOOSE GO!