Sens vs. Moose 3/24/04 Articles: Big third period leads Moose over B-Sens
March 25, 2004

Posted by: Bob Howard
Credit: Marc Ciampa of Moose Hockey.com

Wednesday, March 24, 2004

Big third period leads Moose over B-Sens

Manitoba Moose Press Release

by Marc Ciampa

A four-goal outburst in the third period led the Manitoba Moose to a 4-1 victory over the Binghamton Senators Wednesday night, keeping their playoff hopes alive. The key to the period was a pair of goals 37 seconds apart by Jason King and on a penalty shot by Brandon Reid.

Binghamton started the game with an early power play after Sean Pronger received a penalty for high sticking at the 2:18 mark of the opening frame.

The first goal of the game came with 4:41 to play in the first and it was Binghamton getting the marker as Brad Tapper scored on a rush up ice, assisted by Denis Hamel and Peter Smrek.

The Moose outshot Binghamton 13-10 in the first period and followed that up by outshooting the B-Sens 20-7 during a scoreless middle frame.

It looked like the Moose would be snakebitten on this night until Peter Sarno scored on a point shot early in the third to break Ray Emery's shutout bid and even the game at 1-1. It was a power play goal, assisted by Pat Kavanagh and Fedor Fedorov.

Manitoba appeared to be headed for the power play in the latter half of the third when he was hooked from behind by Andy Hedlund but referee Harry Dumas also ticketed Kavanagh for diving on the play.

During the four-on-four situation, the Moose capitalized with the open ice. Jason King took a pass from Reid and blasted it past Emery to put Manitoba ahead 2-1.

37 seconds later, Brandon Reid was hauled down on a breakaway and was awarded a penalty shot for his efforts. On the penalty shot, Reid scored on a backhander in close to put the visitors up by a pair of goals.

From there, McVicar shut the door down and Sean Pronger clinched the outcome with an empty net goal. Total shots for the game were 47-26 for the Moose.

UPDATE

With the win, the Moose keep pace with the Cleveland Barons, who were victorious over Chicago tonight. They remain seven points out with six games to go.

THREE STARS

1. Brandon Reid - Big penalty shot goal to give the Moose a two-goal lead and also assisted on the winner.
2. Robert McVicar - Was very steady for the Moose, especially through the first two periods keeping the team within a goal.
3. Jason King - Scored the game-winning goal and was a key part of Manitoba's top line with Reid and Pronger.

ON DECK

The Moose now return home for Legends Night Friday against the Rochester Americans. Puck drops for that game at 7:30 p.m. although gates open early, at 5:45 p.m. so fans can watch the NHL legends game.