The Cleveland Monsters are playing host to the Grand Rapids Griffins for the second time in a week.
Just last Saturday the Cleveland Monsters found themselves the victor against the visiting Grand Rapids Griffins. Cleveland defeated Grand Rapids by a score of 4-2 in what was a very chippy game. The Monsters are looking for a repeat performance against their AHL Central Division rival.
A player who played a key role the Monsters will not be available this time around, Kole Sherwood. Sherwood was recalled by the Columbus Blue Jackets and placed on their taxi squad Thursday. It was Sherwood who scored twice in addition to getting into some brawls in the last matchup with the Griffins.
Cleveland has won seven of their last nine games heading in to Friday’s contest while Grand Rapids is 4-4-2 over their last 10. The Griffins has one more point on the season than Cleveland (18-17), but the Monsters hold the advantage in the standings due to games played.
This game could again embody the theme from last Saturday even though Sherwood will not be available for the Monsters. Cleveland will have to lean on some of their other players for goal scoring and perhaps the possible fight. Even thought the Monsters are trending upward lately, they could find themselves just a bit shorthanded when it is all said and done.
