Category Archives: Game Recaps

Monsters fall to Comets 3-1

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The Cleveland Monsters traveled to Utica to take on the Comets, but they were no match for the AHL North Division leaders.

Coming to Utica to face the Comets was also going to be a difficult matchup for the Cleveland Monsters. There is a reason why Utica leads the division while Cleveland sits 11 points back while playing two more games. The Comets demonstrated throughout the contest why the lead the AHL North as the Monsters were handed a 3-1 loss on the road.

Utica scored three times, twice in the 1st and once in the 2nd to cement their lead as Cleveland was unable to find the scoreboard until late in the contest. Liam Foudy scored his sixth goal of the season with just 1:34 left to play. Assisting on Foudy’s goal was Justin Scott (4) and Olivier LeBlanc (1).

The Monsters only had one power play opportunity in the contest and they were unable to take advantage. Meanwhile Utica had three chances, converting in the 2nd period.

Jean-Francois Berube was in net for Cleveland, saving 29 of 32 shots on goal in the loss. This was the third consecutive game in which Berube gave up three goals.

The Monsters have a quick turnaround as they travel to Lehigh Valley to take on the 3-11-4-1 Phantoms Saturday, a good opportunity to get a much needed win. 

Monsters crush Crunch 8-3

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The Cleveland Monsters got a much needed win as they dominated the Syracuse Crunch.

Losers of four straight, the Cleveland Monsters desperately needed to get back in the win column. Lucky for Cleveland their opponent was someone who they have had some success against this season, the Syracuse Crunch. The Monsters had back-to-back wins against the Crunch in mid-November and were able to enforce their will yet again in a dominant victory.

It was a four goal onslaught from Cleveland in the 1st period as they were able to build an insurmountable lead. The Monsters were even able to build their lead up to five before temporarily letting the Crunch back into the game. Cleveland surrendered three power play goals in just over five minutes as Syracuse cut the lead to two. The Mosnters were able to regain their composure in the 3rd period, scoring three more times in the 3rd period to cement their 8-3 win.

The impressive aspect of this win is that Cleveland attempted just 16 shots on goal compared to Syracuse’s 35. Cleveland also managed to go 2-4 on power plays while Syracuse went 3-7 in the contest.

Game notes

Goal scorers for the Monsters included Trey Fix-Wolansky (5), Cole Fonstad (2), Adam Helewka (3,4,5), Billy Sweezey (2), Justin Scott (5), and Josh Dunne (4). Helewka’s hat trick earned 1st star honors in the win.

Assisting on goals were Tim Berni (3,4), Sweezey (3), Liam Foudy (9), Kevin Stenlund (8,9), Fix-Wolanksy (3), Helewka (10), Fonstad (1,2), Brendan Gaunce (9), and Cole Clayton (3,4).

Jean-Francois Berube started in net for Cleveland, saving 32 of 35 shots on goal. This was the second straight game for Berube allowing three goals, allowing a total of 18 goals over his past five games.

The Monsters currently sit in third place in the AHL North Division with 25 points with a 5-4-1 record over their past 10 games. Cleveland will travel to Utica to face the Comets Friday as they look to defeat the division leader and close the gap in the standings.

Monsters lose to Griffins 4-1

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The Cleveland Monsters found themselves down early yet again and were not able to end their losing streak against Grand Rapids.

It was deja vu for the Cleveland Monsters as they were down big yet again in the 1st period. After losses to Milwaukee Friday and Saturday which found Cleveland being down three goals or more in both contests, in happened yet again Monday evening against the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Grand Rapids scored three times in the 1st period, all around five or so minutes apart. Cleveland was just not able to keep the Griffins off the scoreboard in the 1st. The Monsters were able to avoid the shutout in the 2nd period as Tyler Sikura scored his fifth goal of the year. Sikura was assisted by Liam Foudy (8) and Giovanni Vallati (1) in the lone highlight for Cleveland.

The Griffins would score a cheap empty net goal with 16 seconds left to make it 4-1, the only goal that did not count against Jean-Francois Berube. Berube would save 25 of 28 shots on goal, the fourth straight game allowing three goals or more.

Cleveland continues to sit in fourth place in the AHL North Division with 23 points in 20 games. The Monsters are 5-4-1-0 in their last 10 as they found themselves in a holding pattern. A trip to Syracuse to take on the seventh place Crunch Wednesday could provide the elusive win they are in search of.

Monsters comeback falls short in loss to Admirals

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The Cleveland Monsters were able to tie things up once, but were not able to come back again in their 5-4 loss to the Milwaukee Admirals.

Early in the 1st period it appeared that the Cleveland Monsters were going to have a repeat performance from their 4-1 loss Friday night. Cleveland found themselves down 3-0 15 minutes into the period after Milwaukee scored three times in four minutes. At that moment Cleveland began to stage their first comeback of the evening.

It was Trey Fix-Wolansky getting the Monsters on the scoreboard with less than three minutes to play which jumpstarted a mini goal scoring run. Early in the 2nd it was Emil Bemstrom scoring on a power play to bring Cleveland within one. It was Bemstrom’s first career AHL goal, assisting on the goal was Jake Christiansen (13) and Fix-Wolansky (2). Justin Scott would tie the game two minutes later with his fourth goal of the campaign. Cole Clayton (2) and Jet Greaves (2) were credited with assets on the play, it was the second straight game with an assist for Greaves.

Unfortunately Milwaukee was able retake the lead and expand it two. Josh Dunne attempted to begin another comeback, but his goal 9:51 into the final period was the last for the Monsters. Adam Helewka (9) assisted on Dunne’s goal (3).

Cleveland has now dropped to fourth place in the AHL North Division, trailing third place Toronto based on win percentage (0.625-0.605). The Monsters are off Sunday before returning to action Monday at home as they take on Grand Rapids Griffins.

Monsters drop first of two to Milwaukee

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The Cleveland Monsters returned home to take on the Milwaukee Admirals and were not able to come away with a victory.

Looking to get back in the win column, the Cleveland Monsters took on the Milwaukee Admirals at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Unfortunately the Admirals had other ideas as it was a decisive 4-1 final score that did not go Cleveland’s way.

Milwaukee scored just 1:25 into the game, an ominous sign that the Monsters were going to have a tough time Friday night. While Cleveland kept Milwaukee off the scoreboard for the reminder of the 1st, this trend did not carry over to the 2nd. The Admirals scored three times in the first five minutes of the 2nd increasing their lead to four.

Late in the 3rd the Monsters finally got on the board, but the game was already over. Tyler Angle scored his second goal of the season, assisted by Thomas Schemtisch (3) and Jet Greaves (1). It was a not so common goalie assist for Greaves as he replaced Jean-Francois Berube early in the 2nd period. Greaves saved all 11 shots on goal while Berube allowed four goals on 18 shots.

After the loss, Cleveland is now in 3rd place in the AHL North Division with 23 points in 18 games. The Monsters have a chance to get back in the win column as they face the Admirals again Saturday at 7:00 P.M.

Monsters defeat Marlies 6-5 in overtime

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It was a productive trip north of the border for the Cleveland Monsters as they defeated the Toronto Marlies in overtime.

Finding themselves down 4-1 late in the 2nd, the Cleveland Monsters managed to outscore the Toronto Marlies 4-1 in order to force overtime. In the overtime period it was a clutch power play goal from Tyler Sikura to seal the Cleveland victory.

Even though the Monsters held a massive edge on the shots on goal department through the first two period (33-19), they were only able to score twice during that time. Overall Cleveland outshot Toronto 47-28 as they attempted 12 shots in the 3rd and two in overtime.

After two games which saw Daniil Tarasov only allow one goal in each, Tarasov allowed five on 28 shots in the win. This was the third time this season that Tarasov allowed five goals in game, both games were losses (6-4 to Syracuse, 6-2 Belleville).

Scoring notes

Jake Christiansen (4) scored the first goal of the game, giving the Monsters an early lead 4:12 into the 1st period.

Down 4-1 late in the 2nd, Liam Foudy scored his fourth goal of the season with the recently assigned Kevin Stenlund assisting on the goal (3).

Brendan Gaunce scored 23 seconds into the 3rd to bring Cleveland a within one goal. It was the seventh goal of the season for Gaunce who got some assistance from Trey Fix-Wolansky (1) and Tyler Angle (12).

Just over five minutes later Carson Meyer (5) tied the game. Adam Helewka (6) and Christiansen (9) were credited with assists on the goal.

After giving up the lead midway through the period, it was Fix-Wolansky coming to the rescue as he scored his second goal of the campaign with just 1:39 left to play. Fix-Wolansky got some help from Gaunce (5) and Stenlund (4) on the game-tying goal.

In overtime it was Tyler Sikura who redirected a shot from Christiansen into the net giving the Monsters the win. Christiansen (10) received an assist as did Gaunce (6).

The Monsters return home Friday to take on the Marlies at home before returning to Toronto Saturday for their third matchup in as many games. 

Monsters defeat Crunch 5-1

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The Cleveland Monsters were unstoppable as they managed to come away with a 5-1 victory over the Syracuse Crunch.

It was a 5-1 final score and everyone got out alive, but the Cleveland Monsters knew they had the numbers, going to win, and take over. Cleveland was dominant from the start as they came away with a four goal victory over the Syracuse Crunch.

The Monsters were able to be a force in the offensive zone thought out the game and they took advantage. Cleveland outshot Syracuse 32-24, holding nine and three shot advantages in the first and third periods.

It was a rather quick start for Cleveland as Brendan Gaunce scored his first of two goals on an assist from Adam Helewka (5) 4:27 into the game.

Trey Fix-Wolansky scored his first goal of the season in his season debut. Assisting on the goal was Gaunce (4) and Thomas Schemitsch (2).

After Syracuse scored it was Cole Cassels scoring his second goal of the campaign unassisted.

In the 3rd period it was Justin Scott who increased the Mosnters lead to three with his third goal of the season. Billy Sweezey was credited with an assist on the goal, his second.

Gaunce scored his second. goal of the game with a little over five minutes left in the game as Tyler Angle registered his team-high 11th assist.

In net was Daniil Tarasov, building off his last outing. Tarasov saved 23 of 24 shots as managed to allow just one goal for the second straight game.

The Monsters are off on Saturday, but return to action Sunday in Toronto to take on the Marlies. 

Monsters defeat Crunch 2-1 in overtime

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The Cleveland Monsters got back into the win column as they came away with a 2-1 win over the Syracuse Crunch in overtime.

Coming off a shutout loss to the Rochester Americans to close out their road trip last weekend, the Cleveland Monsters were looking to reverse their fortunes against the Syracuse Crunch at home. A few minutes into the game it appeared it would be a goal-scoring frenzy as both teams scored really quickly. Shawn Element gave Syracuse a 1-0 lead just a minute into the game while Thomas Schemitsch answered about a minute later. Even though both teams came out guns blazing, neither team was able to find the back in the net again in regulation.

This led to a decisive overtime period, a much better proposition that going into a shootout (an area that the team has struggled in this season with three losses). Just as the game began, it was a goal 1:08 into the period with gave the Monsters a 2-1 win over the Crunch. Tyler Angle was able to break the tie in the extra period securing the victory.

Game notes

The goals from Schmeitsch and Angle were the first of the season for both players. Jake Christiansen assisted on both goals for assists seven and eight on the year while Liam Foudy tallied his fourth on Schemitsch’s goal.

Daniil Tarasov saved 21 of 22 shots on goal in his sixth start of the season. Tarasov’s 0.955 save percentage was the best of the season up to this point.

Looking ahead

The Monsters are in third place in the AHL North Division with 16 points, trailing Toronto and their 12 points based on win percentage. Cleveland will face Syracuse again Friday before heading out on the road to face second place Toronto.

Monsters lose in shootout to Senators 3-2

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The Cleveland Monsters lost their second straight game against the Belleville Senators.

Friday night did not provide a particularly close contest as the Cleveland Monsters lose by four goals to the Belleville Senators. While the final score on Saturday was a lot closer, Cleveland was still on the losing end. Cleveland found themselves in their fourth shootout in six games and like two of the others, it was a loss. Belleville’s Jake Lucchini scored the only shootout goal, getting the puck by Jean-Francois Berube. Excluding the shootout, Berube saved 31 of 33 shots on goal in the 3-2 loss.

After a scoreless 1st period, both Cleveland and Belleville managed to score in the 2nd. Cole Cassels gave the Monsters a 1-0 lead with his first goal of the season. Justin Scott (2) was credited with an assist on the goal. Belleville would answer less than five minutes later to tie the game.

The Senators took the lead about five minutes into the 3rd period, applying some pressure to the Monsters. With just over two minutes left in the 3rd it was Brendan Gaunce who scored the game-tying goal for Cleveland. Justin Danforth (3) and Tyler Angle (9) both registered assists on the goal.

The Monsters have Gaunce, Adam Helewka, and Cassels participate in the shootout with all three coming up empty.

Cleveland is currently in fourth place in the AHL North Division with 12 points, but behind on winning percentage. The Monsters will travel to Rochester to face the Americans next weekend in a crucial back-to-back against a divisional opponent. 

Monsters fall behind early, lose 6-2 to Belleville

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The Cleveland Monsters fell behind early and were not able to keep up with the visiting Belleville Senators.

15:52 into the 1st period one thing was clear, it was not the Cleveland Monster’s night. Belleville scored three goals during that span, including one shorthanded goal, to put the Monsters behind the eight ball.

Belleville would eventually take a 5-0 lead just past midway in the 3rd period with the fifth goal being an empty netter. Cleveland would score less than two minutes later, but it did not have an impact on the final result. The Monsters would score a power play goal with a little over 30 seconds left, but it was a pyrrhic goal in the end.

Daniil Tarasov stated in net for the Monsters and it was the second straight game allowing four goals or more. In four games the season Tarasov has a 3.92 GAA and 0.870 save percentage, both career-lows.

Game notes

Carson Meyer scored his third goal of the season and would tally his second assist later in the game. Jake Christiansen (5) and Tyler Sikura (4) assisted on Meyer’s goal.

Brendan Gaunce scored the power play goal with 33 seconds left, his second goal of the season. In addition to Meyer, Thomas Schemitsch (1) registered an assist on the goal.

The Monsters can avenge their loss Saturday as they take on the Senators at 7:00 P.M.