Two more clinch as Moose beat Crunch

The Manitoba Moose and St. John’s Maple Leafs joined the postseason guest list on Tuesday night as the Moose posted a 3-1 win over Syracuse at the MTS Centre.

Lee Goren scored all three goals for Manitoba, including two in the first period and an empty-netter in the final minute. It was the third hat trick of the season for Goren, who leads the Moose with 30 goals on the season.

Ryan Kesler had two assists and Alex Auld made 24 saves as Manitoba opened up a three-point lead over St. John’s for second place in the North Division. The Leafs secured a playoff berth thanks to the Crunch’s loss.

The Moose are in the Calder Cup Playoffs for the third time in four years after failing to qualify in 2004. The Maple Leafs are in for the first time since 2002.

MILWAUKEE 3, HOUSTON 0
Brian Finley made 31 saves as Milwaukee took a 3-0 decision from Houston at the Bradley Center.

The Admirals are now two points behind first-place Chicago in the West Division, with two games in hand on the Wolves.

Bryan Lundbohm, Scottie Upshall and Vern Fiddler scored for Milwaukee, while Jordin Tootoo and Dan Hamhuis each added two assists.

Finley’s seventh shutout of the season was also his 34th victory, good for third-most in the AHL.