The Cleveland Monsters defeated the visiting Toronto Marlies 5-2. Cleveland came away with a much needed victory in their first of two games this weekend.
The Cleveland Monsters took an early lead and didn’t look back, defeating the Toronto Marlies by a score of 5-2.
This was an important win for Cleveland. The Monsters lost in overtime to Rochester Wednesday, coming away with a comfortable win Friday could go a long way for the Monsters. Rather than dwelling on the disappointing loss, they went and took care of business against Toronto.
Matiss Kivlenieks got the start in goal, saving 35 of 37 shots. Veini Vehvilainen had the night off and may start tomorrow.
Dillon Simpson got things started for the Monsters 1:28 into the game. Calvin Thurkauf and Trey Fix-Wolansky assisted on the goal.
Just over two minutes later, Simpson got his second goal of the game. An unassisted goal which gave Cleveland a comfortable 2-0 lead. Toronto would answer quickly as Trevor Moore got the Marlies on the scoreboard 17 seconds later.
Trey Fix-Wolansky would add a goal of his own in the 2nd period to provide a little breathing room for Cleveland. Kevin Stenlund was credited with his 11th assist on the season.
Towards the end of the 3rd period Cleveland found themselves down two men due to two delay of game penalties. This was far from being a great situation. Giving up a goal seemed inevitable and that is just what happened. Toronto’s Jeremy Bracco took advantage and gave the Marlies a chance.
With under a minute to play Toronto pulled their goalie and Paul Bittner sealed the deal for the Monsters with an empty net goal. Ryan MacInnis and Dillon Simpson were credited with assists.
Derek Barach would put an exclamation point on the victory, scoring his fourth goal of the season with only five seconds remaining.
