Manitoba Moose

• Game sponsored by Milwaukee Tools.
• First 5000 fans in the door will receive Manitoba Moose Hockey Card Pack #8 (of 10)

Moose vs. IceHogs:

Friday night's game marks Rockford's first visit to Manitoba this season and opens the final two-game series between these Western Conference opponents. Earlier this season, Manitoba won two games at Rockford on November 25, 2009 (2-1W) and December 6, 2009 (4-3W). Historically, Manitoba holds a 5-3-0-2 record against the IceHogs (1-2-0-1 when playing on home ice). Moose left-winger Matt Pettinger leads all Moose skaters with three points (2g, 1a) against the IceHogs while Cory Schneider has appeared in both wins against the Chicago Blackhawks affiliate this campaign.

All About Overtime:

By earning a 2-1 overtime victory against the Griffins on Saturday night the Moose improved their fourth period record to 3-5. The last time the Moose won a game in overtime was on January 12, 2010 in Abbotsford (4-3OTW). So far this season, Manitoba holds a 10-6 extra-time record including six shootout victories and a single shootout loss. In 2002-03 the Moose made franchise history when they earned five overtime wins -- the most the club has ever earned in a single season in the AHL. Manitoba is 1-1-0-0 after an overtime win this campaign.

Neck-And-Neck in the North:

With 14 games remaining on the regular season schedule the Moose are vying for those last 28 points to secure a spot in the 2010 Calder Cup Playoffs. Currently, the Moose are in fourth place with 70 points after 66 games played. They are just four points back of the third place Abbotsford Heat and only three wins away from the second place Rochester Americans. However, the fifth place Monsters, who hold one game in hand over the Moose are only four points away from catching up to Manitoba.

Home Stretch:

Starting Friday night, the Moose will play their next six games at MTS Centre -- four of which are against North Division rivals. After this weekend's doubleheader against the IceHogs from the West, the Moose will host the Griffins and Bulldogs for two-game North Division Series. So far this season Manitoba is 17-11-3-1 (0.594) when playing on home-ice. They are also 16-9-1-0 against opponents within their division and 12-9-3-0 against their rivals in the West. The last time Manitoba played at home they dropped a 5-2 decision to the Worcester Sharks on March 3, 2010.

Super Mario:

Moose centre Mario Bliznak notched the overtime game-winner in a 2-1 victory over Grand Rapids on Saturday night. Not only did the Trencin, Slovakia native win the game, but he also scored the winning goal on his 23rd birthday. So far this season Bliznak has appeared in 62 games, where he has collected 20 points (7g, 13a) along with 34 penalty minutes.

Schneider Stepping Up:

Goaltender Cory Schneider was close to perfection, stopping 42 of 43 shots in a 2-1 overtime decision over the Griffins on Saturday night. Schneider has played in 47 Moose games this season fora 27-19-1 record, 2.65 GAA and 0.914 save percentage. He currently sits third in the AHL for wins (27), second for winning percentage in a shootout (0.73) and second overall in saves (1307).

Familiar Faces:

Hosting the Rockford IceHogs this weekend brings the return of three former Moose players. Mark Cullen, who played in 56 games with Manitoba last season, now sits second on the IceHogs leaderboard with 45 points (17g, 28a). Derek Nesbitt, a right-winger who appeared in five Moose games last season, currently holds five points (4g, 1a) with Rockford this campaign. Rockford's newest addition from Manitoba is defenceman Nick Boynton who was acquired by the Chicago Blackhawks last week on trade deadline day.

Streaks & Milestones:

• Travis Ramsey and Marco Rosa are the only two Moose skaters who have had perfect attendance this season, playing in all 66 games so far.
• Lawrence Nycholat is on a two-game points streak. He is currently the only Moose player on a points streak.