This was a true sign the Manitoba Moose might be turning the corner and putting a five-game losing streak behind them.
Although they managed to take three of four points during a weekend series with the Hamilton Bulldogs, the Moose weren't happy with the fact they failed to come up with a complete game either night.
On Friday night, the Moose were crisp for two full periods and built a 3-1 lead before running into some discipline issues which forced them to try and kill five minor penalties in the final frame.
An empty-net goal from Mike Keane made it 4-1 with 1:31 to go and it looked like the Moose had locked it down.
But 12 seconds later the Bulldogs cut into the lead and 38 seconds later, it was a one-goal game.
The lapse, which was part bad luck and part defensive breakdown, didn't cost the Moose any points because Keane added his second empty-netter of the contest to put the game away.
However, giving up two goals in the final two minutes is not a habit good teams want to get into.
The late rally seemed to motivate the Bulldogs as they jumped out to a 3-0 lead in Saturday's rematch.
This time, the Moose were able to rally and did enough to force overtime and earn a point.
There are times when overtime and shootout losses represent a point lost and times when they represent a point gained.
During his post-game scrum, Moose head coach Scott Arniel lamented the fact some members of his team spent too much time watching instead of battling.
The Moose are nowhere near full strength or full health, but the one thing the players can control no matter who is suiting up is the work ethic and that hasn't been at a high enough level -- at least not on a consistent basis throughout the lineup.
That can be easily remedied but it will take a commitment from all parties.
Progress
On the bright side, the Moose seem to have gotten past their serious offensive woes.
After exploding for five goals in a game against the Toronto Marlies to open the four-game homestand that ended with the Moose earning seven of a possible eight points, Manitoba put up nine goals (including two into an empty-net) in two games against the Bulldogs.
Simply put, that represents significant progress.
Perhaps the most positive development was the arrival of a top-flight first-line centre with the assignment of Erik Christensen on a conditioning stint from the Anaheim Ducks.
Christensen potted a goal in each game and showcased his high-end skill set.
His assignment is slated to last for up to two weeks, but since Christensen has cleared waivers, there is a chance he could be that missing piece to the puzzle the Moose have been searching for since July.
The issue at hand with Christensen is the Ducks are concerned that if they end up leaving him with the Moose on a regular demotion, he would be subject to recall waivers should Anaheim require his services somewhere down the road.
With a reasonable price tag of US$750,000 (on a one-way contract), any other NHL team would have an opportunity to claim Christensen and only be responsible for paying half of the salary, while the other half would count against the Ducks salary cap.
But who knows, maybe an arrangement can be worked out between the Ducks and Moose when the two weeks come to a close.
However, that's a question for down the road.
For now, the Moose are merely going to enjoy having Christensen in their midst.
ken.wiebe@sunmedia.ca
