Monsters Mash: Not the Best Start to February

Record: 14-24-4-3, 35 points, .389 win%, 7^th Central, 15^th West

The Cleveland Monsters kicked February off by playing three straight games against their foe, the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Things started off great on Thursday, February 1st, when the Monsters took down the Griffins in a shoot out. Nathan Gerbe stood “tall” with his nifty game winning goal in the shootout.

They didn’t fare as well on Friday,February 2nd, or Sunday, February 4th.

A few new lines were rolled out on Friday. By the time the third period rolled around, Coach Madden changed the lines around again. Unfortunately, those line changes didn’t help them win the game. The Monsters fell to the Griffins, 4-2.

Sunday was not a super day for the Monsters. They constantly allowed the Griffins into the crease and couldn’t keep momentum in their favor. The Griffins came out of this game the victors, 6-3.

Transactions

Transactions for the Monsters have finally slowed down.

Markus Hannikainen was returned to the Columbus Blue Jackets on February 1^st.

Hayden Hodgson spent two games with the Manchester Monarchs (ECHL) this past week. While there he tallied two assists.

Cameron Gaunce was recalled to the Blue Jackets after the Monsters game on February 2^nd. He was returned in time to play the Griffins on Sunday.

According to the AHL’s transactions page, Terry Broadhurst was released from his PTO and signed to Standard Player Contract (SPC).

Team Leaders

Point Scorers

1. Carter Camper; 32
2. Alex Broadhurst; 22
3. Zac Dalpe; 19

Goal Scorers

1. Alex Broadhurst; 11
2. Carter Camper; 9
3. Miles Koules; 8

Assists

1. Carter Camper; 23
2. Zac Dalpe; 12
3. Terry Broadhurst, Alex Broadhurst, Cameron Gaunce; 11

Penalty Minutes

1. Brett Gallant; 62
2. Cameron Gaunce; 51
3. John Ramage; 37

Weekly Stats

Around the AHL

Leaders

Point Scorers

1. Chris Bourque; 45
2. Phil Varone; 44
3. Chris Terry, Matt Puempel, Mason Appleton, Travis Morin; 43

Goal Scorers

1. Valentin Zykov; 23
2. Reid Boucher, Andreas Johnsson; 22
3. Curtis McKenzie, Warren Foegele;  21

Assists

1. Travis Morin; 37
2. Matt Taormina; 36
3. Phil Varone, Chris Bourque; 33

Penalty Minutes

1. Alex Gallant; 137
2. Tyer Lewington; 101
3. Andrew Nielsen 93

Goaltenders

1. Garret Sparks; 1.62 GAA, 18 wins,  41 GA, .944 sav%
2. Calvin Pickard; 1.89 GAA, 15 wins,  37 GA, .931 sav%
3. Jordan Binnington; 2.09 GAA, 10  wins, 33 GA, .923 sav%

Awards

Andreas Johnsson of the Toronto Marlies was named “CCM/AHL Player of the Week”. He notched five points over two games last week.

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