Monsters edged out by Marlies 4-3
The Cleveland Monsters came back from a two goal defecit to force overtime, but were unable to come away with a win, falling 4-3 to the Toronto Marlies.
The fact the Cleveland Monsters staged a 2nd period comeback as quite impressive. Unfortunately they were unable to finish the deal as a goal scored 23 seconds into overtime gave Toronto a 4-3 win.
Cleveland found themselves down two goals 7:24 into the game. Not necessarily a great spot to be in considering how the Columbus Blue Jackets have picked apart their club for any remaining talent. Trey Fix-Wolansky got the Monsters on the scoreboard with just over two minutes remaining in the 1st period. Dillon Simpson and Ryan MacInnis assisted on the goal, their 14th and 22nd assists respectively.
Toronto extended their lead to two 3:30 into the 2nd period. Cleveland continued to fight back, eventually cutting the deficit to one on a goal from Ryan MacInnis. Trey Fix-Wolansky (7) and Adam Clendening (31) assisted on the goal.
With just 36 seconds remaining in 2nd period Adam Clendening tied the game at 3. Assisting on the goal were Branden Troock (2) and Ryan MacInnis (23).
Neither team scored in the 3rd period which led to overtime. All it took was 23 seconds for Toronto’s Tanner MacMaster to end the game.
Veini Vehvilainen started in goal for Cleveland and saved 27 of 31 shots. Vehvilainen has allowed 19 goals in his past five starts, not necessarily a great for.
The Monsters only had 17 shots on goal compared to Toronto’s 31. While this is not a great number they managed to score when they needed to for the most part.
The Monsters specialty teams seemed be up to the challenge despite being short on talent. Cleveland converted two of their three chances on the power play and stopped six of Toronto’s seven power play attempts.
