The Cleveland Monsters lost to the Utica Comets Friday evening by a score of 3-0. This loss ended their two-game winning streak.
The Cleveland Monsters were looking to continue their winning streak after the conclusion of the All-Star Break. Unfortunately they were not able to do that in front of their largest crowd of the season Friday, losing to the visiting Utica Comets.
Cleveland listed the following players as inactive for the contest: Ryan Collins, Steve Johnson, Bryan Moore, Justin Scott, Michael Prapavessis, Zac Dalpe, Markus Hannikainen.
1st period
With 4:12 gone in the 1st period, the Cleveland Monsters had an odd man rush they executed almost perfectly. The only misstep? Not putting the puck in the back of the net. Comets goalie Michael DiPietro was able to stop Kole Sherwood’s shot on goal.
Utica put themselves on top with 14:42 left to play in the first. The managed to find itself right in front of Veini Vehvilaninen and Utica’s Carter Bancks just tapped it in. Vehvilainen did not have a legitimate chance of stopping the shot.
Cleveland’s Derek Barach was called for tripping with 5:52 gone in the period, putting the Monsters in a tough spot having just surrendered a goal. Cleveland’s penalty kill went to work and prevented any further damage.
The Comets extended their lead with their second goal of the period. Nikolay Goldobin scored his 16th goal of the season with a rather soft shot that just got by Vehvilainen. The shot from Goldobin looked like it would be more at home on a golf course and not a hockey rink.
The Monsters actually took more shots on goal in the period, but were unable to score. Cleveland had 8 shots while Utica had 7. The difference being that the Comets scored twice while the Monsters have a zero on the scoreboard.
2nd period
Penalties to Adam Clendening (kneeing) and Brett Gallant (roughing) put Cleveland back into an unenviable situation. The Monsters were down a man while Utica was on their second power play of the game. Cleveland successfully navigated through the situation without giving up a goal.
Utica’s Brogan Rafferty was called for high-sticking just over midway through the 2nd period, giving the Monsters their first power play opportunity of the evening. Shortly after, Utica’s Dylan Blujus was called for slashing, giving Cleveland a much needed 5-on-3. Unfortunately the Monsters were not able to take advantage of either opportunity as Utica’s penalty kill was impressive in stopping Cleveland’s efforts. Not being able to make anything out of the 5-on-3 opportunity was a defining moment in the game. Things appeared destined to not go Cleveland’s way when these events unfolded in this manner.
Cleveland led in shots on goal after two periods (17-11), but that still did not materialize into anything on the scoreboard.
3rd period
With about six minutes gone in the 3rd it appeared for a brief moment that Cleveland got on the scoreboard, but the goal was waved off by the official. When asked about it after the game, head coach Mike Eaves stated that it was due to goalie interference.
If the goal would have stood it could have changed the outcome of the game dramatically. Being down one compared to two changes how the game is approached and handled overall. Going from what seemed like striking distance and back to what was an insurmountable lead can certainly take the wind out of the sails of any team in any sport.
The Monsters found themselves down two men late due to penalties on Kole Sherwood and Brett Gallant. Utica took advantage and turned a two-goal lead into a three-goal lead. Nikolay Golobin scored his second goal of the game and put the finishing touches on the Comets victory.
The Monsters found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard even though they attempted more shots than Utica (27-16). The Comets simply took advantage of their chances when they had them and Cleveland did not. Ultimately that was the difference in the game.
