Moose in playoff hunt

Not unlike the parent club, time is of the essence these days for the Manitoba Moose.

But in contrast to the Winnipeg Jets, the American Hockey League squad is currently on the right side of the playoff line. However, their perch got a bit more perilous on Friday afternoon following a 6-3 loss to the Grand Rapids Griffins at Canada Life Centre to kick off a crucial, six-game homestand.

It was a roller-coaster game that saw the Moose go down 3-0 after 20 minutes, claw back to tie it in the second period, then give up three straight late goals (including an empty-netter) to the No. 1 team in the Central Division.

“We made some irresponsible plays with the puck and they pounced. That’s who they are,” said head coach Mark Morrison. “The way we’ve played the game as of late, we don’t score a lot of goals. So when we score three, we’ve got to win the hockey game. To give up some Grade A chances against to that team, they’re going to put them in.”