Saturday’s series opener at Canada Life Center featured the team with the worst power play in the American Hockey League (Manitoba) going against the league’s best penalty-killing team (Grand Rapids).
On paper, the result could be forecast.
But, as you’ve undoubtedly figured out by now, games are played on the ice. Saturday, it was a power-play goal by Manitoba’s Mason Shaw that was the difference.
He banged a rebound past Griffins goalie Michal Postava for the game-winner with 2:34 remaining.
The Moose won 1-0, taking a 1-0 lead in the best of five series.
The Griffins had had nearly two weeks off after the regular season ended.
But they showed no signs of rust, dominating at times and outshooting the Moose 39-23..
Grand Rapids had point-blank chances in the first period, two by Wojciech Stachowiak, and a third shot by Amadeus Lombardi which hit a crossbar.
“We knew it was going to be a battle,” Lombardi said. “I thought we played well. We created chances.”
But this was a game dominated by goaltenders.
Domenic DiVincentiis was stellar for the Moose, stoppping all 39 shhiots he faced while thwarting Grand Rapids repeatedly. Postava didn’t face as many shots, but also shone when counted upon.
“They plzy sithin their syztem really well,” Lombatdi said. “We’ve got to be ready for that and just keep getting shots. We’ll. be rfedy to go tomorrow.”
Takeaways
Manitoba converted just 11 percent of its power play opportunities during the regular season.
Key Moment
Shaw’s goal came after Postava stopped a shot by Walker Duehr. Shaw then banged home the rebound.
Up Next
Grand Rapids is at Manitoba in Game 2, at 3 p.m. Sunday.