Sens vs. Moose 10/30/2004 Articles: Moose power play deadly
October 31, 2004

Posted by: Bob Howard
Credit: Ken Wiebe of Winnipegsun.com/

Moose power play deadly

Strikes for four against Senators

By KEN WIEBE, STAFF REPORTER

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- Alex Auld took care of the groundwork and the Manitoba Moose power play delivered the goods. Auld gave the Moose their second consecutive spectacular goaltending outing, turning aside 43 shots, while the power play struck four times in a 5-3 victory over the Binghamton Senators before an intimate gathering of 3,989 at Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena last night.

Playing in a hostile environment seems to suit this AHL team just fine.

"Maybe we don't know any better," said Moose head coach Randy Carlyle, whose club improved to 6-2 on the road and 6-4 overall. "What happens is that we get the ability to be focused on hockey and hockey alone. And there are no ifs, ands or buts about their work ethic."

The Moose conclude their five-game road trip with an afternoon affair at Copps Coliseum against the Hamilton Bulldogs.

The Moose power play finished 4-for-8 on the night and continued to come through with timely goals.

The power surge began in the first period as defenceman Nolan Baumgartner's cross-ice pass caromed off the skate of Brandon Nolan and into the Senators goal.

The man advantage goal came at 11:48 of the first period and gave the Moose power play goals in eight of their 10 games this season.

Four power play goals, two by either side, would follow in the second period.

The Senators evened the contest just 53 seconds into the second frame on a goal by Brian Pothier, who one-timed a pass from Jason Spezza past Auld.

Senators blue-liner Andy Hedlund blasted home a one-timer of his own at 5:54, just before the Moose evened the contest on a goal from Jason King, his league-leading 12th of the campaign.

Binghamton took another lazy penalty 20 seconds later and Manitoba took full advantage again as Peter Sarno blew a shot past Senators backup Billy Thompson.

Ryan Kesler made it four consecutive power play goals for the Moose at 1:35 of the third on what proved to be the game-winner.

"You know he's a skilled player and that he doesn't like to get hit, so you take the body as much as you can," said Kesler, who had the responsibility of playing against Spezza for much of the game.

Neil Komadoski helped the Sens pull within one at 3:59 with a long slap-shot, but Manitoba restored a two-goal cushion 87 seconds later as Josh Green converted a breakaway chance.

"I felt the slash and it rolled off my stick but I'll take it," said Green, who watched the puck slip off his stick and go through the legs of Thompson.