Despite sitting in second place, there’ll be no post-season games for the Manitoba Moose in 2021 as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
As expected the American Hockey League has cancelled their traditional playoffs and there’ll be no Calder Cup champion this year.
According to the AHL, each of the league’s five divisions were allowed to independently determine their own playoff format and only the Pacific Division opted to hold a post-season this spring.
The other four divisions, including the Canadian Division with the Moose, will see their year end with the conclusion of the regular season.
“It’s in our DNA. We want those playoffs. We want to play for the cup,” Moose head coach Pascal Vincent said. “When you start a hockey game, you want to win that game. That’s why we come to the rink. That’s why we’re in this business to win games. It’s not there, so we’ll adjust mentally. But it’s not great.”
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The four divisions that won’t compete in the playoffs will crown champions based on points percentage at the end of the campaign.
“It stinks not playing for a cup this year,” Moose forward Bobby Lynch said. “But we’ll be back at it next year for sure.”
The Moose currently hold down second place in the Canadian Division but the Laval Rocket are way out in front and will in all likelihood claim the title.
The winner of the Canadian Division will be presented with the Frank S. Mathers Trophy.
After Thursday’s home game the Moose will have just seven games remaining, all on the road.
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They wrap up the regular season on Sunday, May 16.
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