Manitoba Moose

• The first 5000 fans in the door will receive a Hardcore Hockey Fan Clacker

Moose vs. Aeros:

After dropping a 4-3 double overtime decision to the Houston Aeros on Friday night, the Moose are now on a two game losing streak -- the longest for the club this postseason. The Western Conference Final series now sits at 3-2, giving the Moose the opportunity to clinch the series tonight. Manitoba holds a 25-14-2-1 record against the Aeros (8-9-0-1 at the MTS Centre). Veteran Jason Krog leads all Moose skaters with seven points (3g, 4a) against the Aeros while both Matt Beaudoin and Cory Locke lead their squad with seven points each against the Moose.

Overtime Woes Continue:

Friday night's double overtime loss to the Houston Aeros was Manitoba's fourth longest game in franchise history. It took the Aeros 24:19 to notch a winner in double-overtime against the Moose, bringing the club's overtime record this postseason to 0-3. The longest game the Moose ever played lasted an extra 37:26 on May 2, 2003 vs. Hamilton (2-1L). The Moose have lost 11 of their last 12 postseason overtime games. Last season, the Moose lost all four games in overtime in the North Division Semi-Final versus Syracuse. Overall, five of the six games of that series went to overtime. All-in-all in their playoff history, the Moose are 11-16 when embarking on extra time and 6-12 since joining the AHL.

Clinching in Game 6:

If the Moose are able to pull off a victory tonight against the Aeros they will clinch their first Western Conference Title in franchise history. The Moose have a 5-2 record in Game 6 when considering their IHL and AHL history. The last time Manitoba won a Game 6 was on April 25, 2009 against Toronto, when they beat the Marlies to clinch the North Division Semi-Final. The Moose are 1-0 in series-clinching Game 6's, defeating Syracuse 3-2 in overtime on April 30, 2006.

Threesome in the Third:

Michael Grabner, Jason Krog and Mark Cullen all scored goals in the third period of Friday night's game, tying the standard for most goals in a single playoff period this season. So far this postseason, the Moose have scored three goals in a period on five different occasions. Manitoba's franchise record for most playoff goals in a single period is four and has occurred three times, most recently vs. Syracuse on April 26, 2006.

Download the complete game notes (pdf)

Sandman Makes His Debut:

For the first time this postseason goaltender Curtis Sanford stood between the pipes for the Moose, relieving Cory Schneider after the second period on Friday night. In his first appearance, Sanford stopped 22 of 23 shots in his 42 minutes played. The Ontario native holds a 1.40 GAA and 0.957 SV% after the loss.

Krog Racks 'Em Up:

Thanks to a goal and an assist in Game 5 at Houston, Jason Krog is now on a two-game multi-point streak and four game points streak. He leads all Moose skaters with seven points (3g, 4a) against the Aeros this postseason. He also leads the Moose with 18 total points with seven goals and 11 assists and sits second in the league for scoring. The Fernie, BC native has now earned five multi-point games this playoff run.

Against the Aeros:

• Former Aero Maxime Fortunus made his 2006-07 scoring debut with the Moose by scoring the game-winning goal December 13, 2006 at Houston.
• Mario Bliznak scored his first professional point against the Aeros on October 24, 2008 and was named first-star of the game.
• Cody Hodgson played in his first professional game and earned his first professional assist on May 15, 2009 vs the Aeros. He earned his first professional goal the next night, also against the Aeros.

Streaks and Milestones:

• This is the first time the Moose have ever faced the Aeros in the Calder Cup playoffs.
• The Moose are currently on a two game losing streak against the Aeros.
• Michael Grabner has scored five goals in his last four games.
• Jason Krog is on a four game point streak.
• Mike Keane saw his two game goal streak come to an end on Friday, but has still notched four points in his last three games.