Recap: Monsters Best the IceHogs in Series Finale
The Cleveland Monsters took now the Rockford IceHogs, 5-2, in the series finale.
Cleveland Monsters (5) at Rockford IceHogs (2)
Attendance: 3,864
Starters
Monsters
T.Broadhurs-Dalpe-A.Broadhurst
Cockerill-Carlsson
Kivlenieks
IceHogs
Martinsen-Sikura-Hayden
Snuggerud-Clendening
Glass
Monsters Lines
T.Broadhurst-Dalpe-A.Broadhurst
Gerbe-Camper-Schroeder
Moutrey-Scott-Koules
Thurkauf-Vigneault-Maletta
Monsters Pairings
Austin-Cockerill
Savage-Collins
Gaunce-Carlsson
Goal Recap
The first goal of the night didn’t come until 3:47 into the first period. Calvin Thurkauf scooped up a Zac Dalpe rebound and fired it home for the goal.
Not even two minutes later, the Monsters extended their lead over the IceHogs to 2-0. Jordan Schroeder skated around the back of the net and passed the puck to Miles Koules who one timed it from the left faceoff circle.
Eight and a half minutes into the second period the Monsters made it 3-0 over the IceHogs. Dalpe broke away from the pack and went topshelf on Jeff Glass from the faceoff circle.
The Rockford IceHogs finally got on the board 13:50 into the second period. Graham Knott sped down the ice and fired the puck from the right point into the net.
Five minutes later, the IceHogs cut the Monsters lead to one, 3-2. While triple teamed, Matthew Highmore managed to bang the puck off the board to Henrik Samuelsson. There was no way Matiss Kivlenieks was going to be able to stop Samuelsson from scoring.
The Monsters kicked the third off with a goal 1:35 into the period. Nathan Gerbe fired off a shot from the shot of the right faceoff circle. Jordan Schroeder grabbed a piece of it before it entered the net.
The Monsters sealed the deal with an empty net goal with 1:02 left in the game.
The series ended with the Monsters posting a record of 5-2-0-1.
But Wait! There’s More
Quick Thoughts
- Both Sonny Milano and Ryan Murray were sent to the Monsters once they were activated from IR. Milano will wear 23 while with the Monsters. Both sat tonight. Murray was assigned about an hour before puck drop in Rockford. My guess is both will play tomorrow against the Wolves or against Stockton in Cleveland on Wednesday night.
- The second line struggled tonight with out Justin Scott. Who would have thought Scott would be the glue to hold some of these guys together. (Side note: The third period rolled around and the second line was on fire) Tonight, Scott centered Miles Koules and Nick Moutery on the third line. Boy, were they flying tonight. They had speed, skill, and grit. What more could you ask for in a line?
- Nick Moutrey was back in action tonight. He only had one shot on net but was a force to be reckoned with tonight.
- Justin Scott collided with Jeff Glass while trying to cut through the crease. There was a great show of sportsmanship from the Monsters after this happened. First, Cameron Gaunce went up to Glass and checked on him to make sure all was ok. Then, as Scott was leaving the ice, he stopped and apologized to Glass.
- `Yet again, the Monsters special teams were incredible. Tonight they accounted for two goals; one shortie and one power play.
- Yet again, Matiss Kivlenieks pulled out some nifty saves from his bag of tricks. The proof is in the three gifs below./
Sweet Jesus on a white fluffy cloud!
— Elaine Shircliff (@imaraindancer) February 18, 2018
Another night, another great save by @bertiss35#CLEMonsters #CLEvsRFD pic.twitter.com/mCRs2EdneL
In @bertiss35 we trust #CLEMonsters #CLEvsRFD pic.twitter.com/ZqmNaLyOmj
— Elaine Shircliff (@imaraindancer) February 18, 2018
FULL SPLITS!!! #CLEMonsters #CLEvsRFD @bertiss35 pic.twitter.com/B3PhoQoOld
— Elaine Shircliff (@imaraindancer) February 18, 2018
3 Stars
1st – Zac Dalpe (1g, 1a)
2nd – Jordan Schroeder (1g, 1a)
3rd – Henrik Samuelsson (1g, 0a)
Game Stats
Captaincy Report
Alex Broadhurst, Carter Camper, and Nathan Gerbe wore the “A” in tonight’s game.
What’s Next
The Monsters head back to Rosemont to take on the Chicago Wolves on Sunday, February 18th at 3pm est.
Then, they head home to take on the Stockton Heat on Wednesday and Friday. Both games are at 7pm est. Don’t forget to get to the game early on Fiday as it is Carter Camper Bobblehead night!