After losing their first two matchups in Texas, the Cleveland Monsters came away with a 3-2 overtime victory over the Stars.
The Cleveland Monsters were on the verge of being swept by the Texas Stars, but managed to salvage the final game of their three game series on Sunday. Like the previous two games in Texas, Cleveland had the advantage in the shots on goal department (37-32), luckily this time it resulted in a win.
The bulk of the action came in the 2nd period as both teams were scoreless in the 1st. Texas scored first 8:23 into the period, but the Monsters managed to answer back less than a minute later. Josh Dunne netted his 4th goal of the season to tie things up at 1 midway through the period. Assisting on the goal was Jake Christiansen (12) and Tyler Angle (9).
A little over five minutes later Cleveland took a 2-1 lead. It was the second goal of the season for Matthew Struthers. Thomas Schemitsch (13) and Nick Lappin (1) were credited with assists on the goal. The Monsters lead unfortunately did not last through the period as Texas tied things up with less than 20 seconds left in the 2nd.
Like the 1st period, the 3rd period did not result in any goals. This brings things to overtime. 3:20 seconds into the extra period Adam Helewka scored the game winner for the Monsters as they avoided the sweep. Carson Meyer and (10) and Dillon Simpson (8) assisted on the Helewka’s third goal of the season.
Starting in goal for the Monsters was Justin Kapelmaster, making his Cleveland debut. Kapelmaster saved 30 of 32 shots on goal, only one of the goals coming in a full strength situation.
With the win, Cleveland has 30 points and remain in second place in the AHL Central Division. The Monsters have a 14-8-1-1 record in 24 games this season.
