Tag Archives: Dillon Simpson

Monsters take down Americans 6-3

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The Cleveland Monsters were victorious again, coming away with a 6-3 win over the visiting Rochester Americans at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

There was a five-game winning streak on the line, including three in a row over Rochester for the Cleveland Monsters. Cleveland was more than up to challenge as they won their sixth straight game with a 6-3 win over the visiting Americans.

The Monsters held a slim 3-2 lead last the game headed into the 3rd and final period. Cleveland was being dominated in the shots on goal department (21-13), but still managed to be ahead. Ensuring that they would not let this game slip away, the Monsters were able to add three more goals in the period en route to their three-goal victory.

There are two key statistics that stick out from this game. The fact that Cleveland was better on the power play and only having two penalties in the entire game. Cleveland was able to capitalize on 1 of 2 chances while Rochester failed to score on their lone opportunity. As far as penalties go, Tristan Mullin was called for roughing in the 1st and Tyler Sikura got hit with a high-sticking call in the 3rd.

Matiss Kivlenieks got the start in goal and was able to save 28 0f 31 shots on goal. Rochester fired shot after shot at Kivlenieks and he was able to do just enough to put the Monsters in position to win.

Scoring notes

Luke Moncada scored his first goal of the season with assists from Dillon Simpson (5) and Liam Foudy (8) in the 1st period.

Cleveland took the lead in the 2nd on a goal from Tyler Angle, his sixth of the season. Wyatt Newpower and Cliff Pu each got their fourth assist of the season.

Zach Jordan made it a 3-1 Monsters lead 14:02 into the second. It was Jordan’s fourth goal on the year with Trsitan Mullin registering his first assist.

Early in the 3rd Tyler Sikura netted a power play goal, his ninth of the campaign to make it 4-1. It was assists from Carson Meyer (8) and Adam Helewka (7) on the goal.

Thomas Schemitsch scored his second goal of the season with 13:28 into the final period. It was the second assist of the game for Foudy and the fifth on the year for Tyler Angle.

With less than a minute to play Wyatt Newpower scored an empty netter to seal the game. It was the second goal of the year for Newpower.

The Monsters begin a road trip to Grand Rapids to take on the Griffins Tuesday.

Monsters come away with 5-3 win over Rochester

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The Cleveland Monsters managed to win their fifth consecutive game with their victory in Rochester over the Americans.

Things were not looking great for the Cleveland Monsters with 4 minutes left to play in the 1st period. Rochester held a 2-0 lead and Cleveland seemed to be scrambling for answers, that is when everything changed. The Monsters rattled off four straight goals into the 3rd period en route to their fifth straight win.

Dillon Simpson got things started with a power play goal for the Monsters with just two minutes left in the 1st period. Simpson was assisted by Thomas Schemitsch (8) and Liam Foudy (7).

It was a scoreless 2nd period for both teams, but the 3rd period provided the jolt the Monsters needed.

Tyler Sikura was assisted by Carosn Meyer less than a minute into the 3rd period to tie the game. Ole Bjorgvik-Holm gave Cleveland the lead at the 6:35 mark for his first goal of the season. Matthew Struthers and Zach Jordan were both credited with their first assists of the season on the Bjorgvik-Holm goal. Tristan Mullin also scored his first goal of the season to increase the Monsters lead to two. To keep with a running theme, Brandon Crawley also had his first assist of the season.

After Rochester drew within one, Dillon Simpson gave Cleveland the insurance goal they needed as he scored an empty net goal with just over a minute left to play to secure the 5-3 victory in Rochester. Goaltender Daniil Tarasov managed to get his first assist of the season on the goal in addition to saving 17 of 20 shots on goal.

The Monsters will face the Americans at home Saturday at 4:00 P.M.

Monsters lose to Griffins 5-2 at home

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Things did not go well for the Cleveland Monsters in their first game in two weeks. Cleveland lost to the Grand Rapids Griffins by a score of 5-2. When asked about the long time between games, Monsters coach Mike Eaves stated that “actually had some good practices”, later adding “but there’s no substitute for playing”. That last quote really hit the mark as far as how the game unfolded.

1st Period

Early in the 1st period the Monsters were able to get into the offensive zone fairly frequently. The issue was that when they were in their defensive zone play would get sloppy and Grand Rapids would gain control of the puck. While the Griffins managed to put pressure on Cleveland, nothing came of it early. However the Monsters were not able to score on three early shots on goal.

With just under nine minutes left in the period the Monsters got on the board with a goal from Dillon Simpson, his third on the year.

Trey Fix-Wolansky and Nathan Gerbe would assist on the goal, both are credited with their sixth assist of the season.

Even though the Monsters held the advantage on the scoreboard after the 1st, it was Grand Rapids who appeared to finding their groove. The Griffins were looking like a well oiled machine over the final few minutes of the period and Cleveland was lucky to come away unscathed. Cleveland did manage to hold a slight advantage in the shots on goal department even after the barrage from Grand Rapids.

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2nd Period

The Griffins did not waste any time to tie things up as Givani Smith scored 51 seconds into the period tying the game. Grand Rapids clearly carried the momentum from the end of the 1st period into the 2nd and it showed.

Just a few minutes later the Monsters retook the lead thanks to a slapshot goal from Wyatt Newpower. This was the first goal of the season for Newpower. Tyler Angle and Kole Sherwood assisted on the play, their second and first assist on the season respectively.

This goal was crucial for the Monsters as it slowed down the Griffins momentum. The onslaught that appeared to be on the horizon from Grand Rapids had to be put on hold as they had to regroup and readjust their game plan.

The detour for Grand Rapids didn’t last, with 9:40 left in the 2nd the Griffins managed to tie the game. Givani Smith scored his second goal of the game, this one off a rebound that he put top shelf over Brad Thiessen. There was really no way for Thiessen to stop that goal as it was an impressive effort from Smith.

The Griffins would take their first lead of the game with 4:33 left to play in the period. Chase Pearson was able to score easily on a breakaway as Grand Rapids retook the momentum in the period.

Grand Rapids ended the 2nd period with the lead on the scoreboard and shots on goal. The Griffins were firmly in control and did not plan on relinquishing it. The Monsters only managed 3 shots on goal compared to the Griffins 12. While only a surface number, it is a perfect example why Grand Rapids scored three times in the period.

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When asked about the three shots on goal in the 2nd period Mike Eaves stated that “they had ideas about what they wanted to do” and that “they turned the puck over”. Ultimately the inability to convert and keep control of the puck played into the score differential in the period.

3rd Period

Grand Rapids extended their lead to two goals on another goal from Chase Pearson. Pearson was able to take a rebound from a Dominik Shine shot on goal and put it past Thiessen as Grand Rapids firmly took control of the game.

A fight between Dylan McIlrath and Evan Polei broke out 8:46 into the 3rd period, each receiving five minute penalties. The Monsters would find themselves on a power play shortly after, but nothing would come of either moment. In the end the fight did not energize the team as maybe some would have hoped.

The Griffins would score an empty net goal with 1:27 left to play to make it a 5-2 score, ensuring a Monsters loss.

Even though the Monsters were able to attempt double-digit shots on goal in the period, they were not able to make it count.

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Notes about the game

Brad Thiessen started in goal for the Monsters, but was not originally supposed to play. Mike Eaves said as much following the game, “Brad came to the rink today thinking he would be in the stands”. Eaves later added that “Brad was calm, showed veteranness”. Considering he saved 23 of 27 shots on goal, that certainly qualifies.

Monsters complete weekend sweep of Wolves

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The Cleveland Monsters won their second straight game against the Chicago Wolves by a score of 3-1, completing the weekend sweep.

There was an opportunity to sweep an opponent and the Cleveland Monsters took it. Fresh off a 4-3 shootout win Friday, Cleveland managed to win in regulation Saturday with a 3-1 victory over the Chicago Wolves.

It was about midway through the 1st period before the scoring got started, but Adam Helewka got the Monsters on the board first with Andrew Peeke and Trey Fix-Wolansky assisting on the play. Dillon Simpson would double the Monsters lead less than two minutes later. Tyler Angle and Gavin Bayreuther were credited with assists on Simpson’s second goal of the season.

The Wolves would not go down easy as they got within one goal in the 2nd period. Unlike Friday’s game, Cleveland was able to score again and win with a higher goal differential than one Tyler Angle scored his second goal of the year to make it a 3-1 lead, a lead that this Cleveland team would hold on to. Cliff Pu’s assist on Angle’s goal was his second of the campaign.

Matiss Kivlenieks got the start in goal for the second straight night and was better this time around. Kivlenieks saved 42 of 43 shots, the lone goal from Chicago’s Dominik Bokk being his only blemish. With this much better performance Kivlenieks sees his GAA drop more than half a goal down to 2.27 from 2.89.

With this win Cleveland now has 9 points on the year and sit at 4-3-1. Their two wins against the Central Division leading Chicago Wolves this weekend give them some hope for the season. Their sweep of Chicago proves that they can hang with the better teams in their division.

The Monsters have the weekdays off this week before heading to Rochester to take on the Americans Friday March 12.

Monsters defeat Wolves 4-3 in shootout

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The Cleveland Monsters defeated the Chicago Wolves 4-3 in a shootout after squandering an early 3-1 lead in the 1st period.

A much needed win on the road for the Cleveland Monsters as they took down the Chicago Wolves 4-3 in a shootout in their first of two straight matchups.

Cleveland scored first thanks to Tyler Angle’s first goal of the season that was assisted by Dillon Simpson and Andre Peeke. Chicago answered just 12 seconds later to tie things up at 1. The Monsters would add two more goals in the 1st, Zach Jordan made it 2-1 with a power play goal that was assisted by Gavin Bayreuther. Adam Helewka would add one more with Trey Fix-Wolansky and Andrew Peeke assisting on the goal.

The Wolves would scratch and claw their way back as they scored 19 seconds into the 2nd period. Chicago would again score in the 3rd to make it a 3-3- game 2:43 into the 3rd period. Cleveland not being able to score in the 2nd and 3rd periods led to an overtime period, neither team would score and the game proceeded to go to a shootout.

Justin Scott would score the only goal of the shootout while Helewka and Fix-Wolansky did not score as the final score was 4-3.

Matiss Kivlenieks started in goal for the Monsters and made 36 saves on 39 shots on goal. This was Kivenieks’ second game of the year, both were wins for Cleveland. Kivlenisk has saved 63 shots on goal this season and has allowed 6 goals on the year. With the overtime period, Kivleniek’s GAA is just under 3 at 2.89 for the season.

The Monsters have a chance to sweep the two-game series with Chicago Saturday at 4:00 P.M.

Monsters bring back Scott, Simpson, and Thiessen

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Some familiar faces will be back in Cleveland for the Monsters when they take the ice again. Justin Scott, Dillon Simpson, and Brad Thiessen have all signed AHL contracts to return to the team.

Justin Scott has played in Cleveland for the past four seasons. Scott has 80 points (38 goals, 42 assists) in 242 career games with the Monsters. Scott’s highest point total came in 2018-19 with 24 (12 goals, 11 assists) in 67 games.

Dillon Simpson came to Cleveland prior to the 2018-19 season and has 40 points (12 goals, 28 assists) in 137 games. Simpson was previously part of the Edmonton Oilers organization before coming to Cleveland.

Brad Thiessen is returning for what will be his sixth season with the Monsters. Thiessen does not pay all that much but is able to step in when called upon. The 34-year old goalie appeared in 8 games last season, allowing 3.15 goals per game with an .881 save percentage.

Monsters lose second straight to Laval

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The Cleveland Monsters lost their second straght game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse against Laval Rocket by a score of 5-1.

Five to one, one to five. Either way you look at it at least the Cleveland Monsters got out alive. Laval Rocket completed their two game sweep of the Monsters Friday evening with another five goal performance. Laval came out on top 5-2 in Thursday’s game.

Cleveland had 21 shots on goal in the contest, just three less than Laval’s 24. The Monsters again failed to convert on the power play, only coming away with one goal in seven chances. Laval scored once in their five chances.

One major takeaway here is that it did not matter who was in goal for Cleveland. Veini Vehviliainen struggled on Thursday and Brad Thiessen struggled on Friday. Cleveland gave up five goals to Laval regardless of who their net-minder was.

The Monsters only goal of the game came late in the 2nd period. Dillon Simpson scored his ninth goal of the year with just six seconds remaining in the period. Derek Barach (6) and Paul Bittner (9) were credited with assists on the play.

Cleveland heads to Charlotte looking to change their fortunes as they take on the Checkers Tuesday and Wednesday.

Monsters defeat Americans in overtime 3-2

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A much needed win for the Cleveland Monsters, snapping a four-game losing streak. Cleveland came out on top in Rochester 3-2 in overtime. 

Cleveland got on the board first thanks to a goal from Trey Fix-Wolansky, his ninth of the season. Ryan MacInnis assisted on the goal, which was his 21st assist on the year. 

Markus Hannikainen extended the Monsters lead to two just a few minutes later, with Fox-Wolansky assisting on the goal. This was Hannikainen’s seventh goal and Fix-Wolansky’s 12th assist. 

Rochester was not going to let things get out of hand in their own barn. The Americans scored with nearly 16 minutes gone in the 1st period to draw within one. 

The Americans would later tie the game about midway through the 2nd period. 

With neither team scoring in the 3rd period, the game went to overtime. It was a relatively short affair as Cleveland was able to get the overtime victory. Sam Vigneault scores the game-winner with just 1:35 into the period. This was the 13th assist of the season for both Dillon Simpson and Trey Fix-Wolansky.

Joonas Korpisalo got the start in net for the Monsters as he is working his way back to Columbus. A change in goaltender was expected after Veini Vehvilainen struggled against Syracuse the night before. Korpisalo saved 32 of 34 shots on goal in what could be a short AHL stint for the goaltender. At some point we will return to the Blue Jackets with Matiss Kivlenieks coming back to the Monsters. 

Cleveland heads to Toronto Wednesday to face the Marlies before returning home this weekend.

Monsters at the All-Star Break

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The Cleveland Monsters find themselves in eighth place with 46 points at the All-Star Break. Through 40 games the Monsters have the same amount of wins and losses (20). 15 of Cleveland’s victories have come in regulation, three in overtime, and two are shootout wins. The Monsters have 16 regulation losses, two overtime losses and two shootout losses on the season.

Cleveland comes into the break riding a two-game winning streak. Both wins coming against the Toronto Marlies. An impressive 5-2 win Friday and a 5-4 comeback win in overtime Saturday. Over their past 10 games Cleveland is 4-5-1-0, not exactly a hot streak.

While the Monsters goal differential is only -7, they trail first place Belleville by 42 in the goal scoring department. On the bright side, Cleveland has allowed the second-fewest amount of goals in the AHL’s North Division (130).  The only team to allow fewer goals is second place Rochester.

Monsters team leaders

AHL All-Star Adam Clendening leads the Monsters in points (30) and assists (24). Clendening has appeared in 37 games for Cleveland this season and has been one of their key players.

Stefan Matteau leads Cleveland in goals with 10 on the season. Matteau’s latest goal came was the game-winner in Saturday’s overtime victory over Toronto, an impressive way to become the team leader in goals scored.

Dillon Simpson has appeared in the most games for Cleveland with 44 appearances this season. Simpson has 18 points total (10 assists, eight goals).

Veini Vehvilainen barely edges out Matiss Kivlenieks in save percetange (.907 for Vehvilainen, .903 for Kivlenieks). Vehvilainen has the advantage when it comes to goals against average (2.55), better than Kivlenieks by nearly four-tenths of a goal.

Columbus has gone to Cleveland for reinforcements quite often 

There’s been plenty of roster moves for Cleveland this season. This is due to their NHL affiliate Columbus Blue Jackets being hit hard with injuries and needing players from Cleveland to fill out their roster. One notable Monsters player who seems to have found a spot in Columbus? Nathan Gerbe. Gerbe has been given another chance to play in the NHL. A chance he is certainly not going to squander. Gerbe has been playing well and is definitely earning his ice time with the Blue Jackets.

Other Monsters players making appearances for the Blue Jackets this season? Ryan MacInnis, Andrew Peeke, Gabriel Carlsson, Marko Dano, Kevin Stenlund, Mattis Kivlenieks, and Kole Sherwood.

Kivlenieks lone start in the NHL was the outstanding performance against the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Kivleniks allowed one goal on 32 shots, earning his first career NHL win. If people did not know who Matiss Kivlenieks was before that game, they sure do now.

Monsters schedule after the break

Cleveland has six straight games at home after the break and they will be tough matchups. Five of their six games are against teams in their division. Two games against third place Utica to start the home stand. After that a visit from second place Rochester before hosting seventh place Binghamton for two games. A single home game against the Grand Rapids Griffins will close out their home stand before heading out on the road. Cleveland will head to Grand Rapids three days later to take on the Griffins. Things may not be easy for the Monsters after the All-Star Break concludes, but the return of some of their key players should give them a better chance now compared to earlier in the season.

Monsters defeat Toronto Marlies 5-2

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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. 

Their second and final game with the Marlies is Saturday at 1 P.M.