Welcome to Manitoba Moose Mondays, a weekly update on the previous week of Moose action! In a short recap, Manitoba Moose Mondays will cover the game results, Winnipeg Jets prospects, notable players, and everything in between. This week’s edition covers the week of October 17-24.
The Manitoba Moose (4-0-1-0) have come out on fire to start the season, winning four out of five games. Players are beginning to settle in, and that comfort is creating terrific chemistry and production
GAME SCORES (3-0-0-0 on the week)
OCT 21: Manitoba 5 – 2 Chicago
OCT 22: Manitoba 5 – 2 Milwaukee
OCT 23: Manitoba 6 – 3 Rockford
The Manitoba Moose have come out on fire to start the season, winning four out of five games
The Moose haven’t just won the past three games, but they’ve dominated their opponents, outscoring them 16-7. Backed by strong performances from their key contributors and their goaltending. While five games is a small sample size, the Manitoba Moose looks like a true force in the league.
Harkins on Four-Game Goal Streak
After being sent down by the Winnipeg Jets, Jansen Harkins has settled in and potted four goals in four straight games. His recent contributions in a top-line role have allowed the Moose to easily handle opponents.
Harkins appears to be motivated to earn a call-up after losing his spot in training camp. It benefits both the Jets and the Moose if he can continue his hot streak, as scoring depth is something the Jets desperately need.
While Harkins isn’t viewed as a dangerous offensive threat, his recent scoring streak has shown that he might still have another part of his game that he can tap into.
Nikkanen Scores his First (and his Second)
Henri Nikkanen recorded his first career AHL goal in the win over Chicago on October 21st. The Winnipeg Jets’ 2019 fourth-rounder has begun to get into a rhythm early in the season, providing some helpful depth scoring to an already deep Moose lineup.
Often playing on a line with Winnipeg Jets’ prospects Daniel Torgersson and Kristian Reichel, the trio has proven useful early in the season.
Nikkanen also added his second of the season in the win over Rockford on October 23rd.
https://twitter.com/ManitobaMoose/status/1584312306330001409?s=20&t=3z0qDZCL2qCC5jBVL4rH7g
Heinola Standing Out
Ville Heinola is playing heavy minutes for the Manitoba Moose early in the season and is excelling in his role. Not only has he recorded four points in five games, but he is often leading the team in ice time while playing on both the power play and penalty kill.
His early point production is reflective of his strengths that led to him being a first-round pick. Using his skating and passing ability, he can get the puck out of the Moose zone quickly, preventing many chances.
Offensively, he has quarterbacked the power play while also showing off his skill at 5v5. The key to Heinola’s success is being allowed to play his game, and that method is paying off early.
Leading Scorers
T1. Declan Chisholm – 5GP | 2G | 4A | 6PTS
T1. Mikey Eyssimont – 5GP | 2G | 4A | 6PTS
3. Jansen Harkins – 4GP | 4G | 1A | 5PTS
Next Games
October 29: Iowa Wild @ Manitoba Moose
October 30: Iowa Wild @ Manitoba Moose