Winnipeg Sun
Tuesday, January 22, 2002
By Ken Wiebe -- Winnipeg Sun

Stan Smyl is hoping a change in venue won't translate into a change in the style his Manitoba Moose are playing.

Following a steady 3-3-0 road trip, the Moose return home to the Winnipeg Arena to open a six-game homestand tonight against the Chicago Wolves.

After dropping their initial meeting to Chicago, a 5-1 defeat on Dec. 12, Manitoba has won the past four contests.

'EMBARRASSED'

"Overall, we realize a situation when we get embarrassed and we don't want to let it happen again," said Moose defenceman Bryan Allen.

"They're a team that can definitely do that. They have the firepower, especially on the power play, and you have to stay disciplined."

Although staying disciplined is important, the Moose can't afford to play passive against the gifted Wolves, either.

"They have some talented players and those are the guys you have to go out there and hit," said Moose winger Jimmy Roy. "We need to play a good defensive game and not take any dumb penalties or do anything out of character."

The Moose don't need to be reminded that their lone loss to the Wolves came in the first game back from a grueling seven-game road trip when Chicago scored three times on the power play.

"The key for us is that things don't change (from the way we play on the road)," said Smyl. "The big thing for us is quick movement of the puck, that's when we play our best."

Playing their best on home ice will be important as the Moose look to gain ground both within their division and their conference.

Their recent stretch of 12 of 14 games on the road will now be followed with 18 of their next 24 outings on home ice -- including four games in the next five nights.

"It's going to be important for us to put some headway in there for ourselves to fight for first and that means winning at home," said Smyl. "That's for all of us to take charge and do."

Rookie goalie Alex Auld has played in each of the five meetings against the Wolves, including two relief appearances, and had great success.

He sports a solid 4-0 record, a 2.37 GAA, a .922 save percentage and recorded his first professional shutout against Chicago back on Dec. 27.

Smyl said he plans to continue alternating his goalies during the next stretch, but won't be afraid to let one of them ride a hot streak.



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