Manitoba Moose

Sometimes a trip to the head coach's office can feel like an unwanted chat with the principal.

But when Manitoba Moose forward Michael Grabner was brought in for a meeting with head coach Scott Arniel on Saturday morning, it was more about positive reinforcment than a tongue lashing.

Prior to Saturday's 4-3 loss to the Iowa Chops, Grabner had gone six games without scoring a goal and was spending a little too much time on the perimeter.

That changed on Saturday as Grabner produced his seventh goal of the season and had a game-high eight shots on goal.

"That was one of my better games this year," said Grabner, who had 22 goals and 44 points in 74 games with the Moose last season. "I had a meeting with the coach and it was a little inspiring. I tried to get the puck to the net, drive to the net and play my game.

"It was nice to get a goal again. My legs didn't feel too good at the beginning, but I had to battle through it. You're not going to feel great every time. I got that goal and then I started to feel better."

Arniel's message to Grabner was a simple one.

"Everybody has talked often about him having to play in traffic, having to play a little stronger and go into the tough areas," said Arniel. "To me, it's about playing with the puck and holding onto the puck to make plays. Everybody knows about his speed and shot, but Michael is a good passer and he makes smart plays when he's confident. He's not just a finisher, he can set people up.

"Michael has to recognize that his assets -- his speed, his shot and his playmaking -- have to be there every night. He's a guy that can be more than just an average player. He can be electric every night."

Grabner wasn't the only guy on his line who was flying on Saturday.

Centre Mark Cullen had an outstanding game and right-winger Michel Ouellet provided one of his best showings in recent memory.

But with Jason Jaffray recalled by the Vancouver Canucks and Alexandre Bolduc returned, Arniel may do a little tinkering to his lines for tonight's game with the Houston Aeros.

Don't be surprised to see Grabner or Mark Derlago move up on a line with Jason Krog and for Cullen and Ouellet to remain together.