Cleveland Monsters (2) at Rockford IceHogs (1)
Attendance: 3,330
Starters
Monsters
Gerbe-Broadhurst-Korostelev
Cross-Carlsson
Kivlenieks
IceHogs
Highmore-Broadhurst-Ejdsell
Forsling-Campbell
Forsberg
Monsters Lines
Robinson-Dalpe-Bittner
Gerbe-Broadhurst-Korostelev
Abramov-MacInnis-Letestu
Stenlund-Vigneault-Koules
Monsters Pairings
Cross-Carlsson
Simpson-Siebenaler
Somerby-Collins
Goal Recap
Ever since dropping their first two games of the season to the Cleveland Monsters at the beginning of the month, the Rockford IceHogs have been on fire. Going into tonight’s game they posted a record of 4-2-1-0 and were on a five-game point streak. On the other side of the ice, the Monsters came into tonight looking for a win after dropping their last two games. Both teams brought massive amounts of energy and battled until the horn sounded.
The Monsters were the first on the board with 52 seconds left in the first period. Mark Letestu slapped the puck off of Anton Forsberg’s pads from the top of the left faceoff circle. Zac Dalpe picked up the rebound but couldn’t get it into the net. The puck bounced off Forsberg’s pads and back onto Letestu’s stick. He quickly fired off a shot that Forsberg managed to stop yet again. This time Dalpe was able to fire the rebound into the back of the net from the goal line.
It’s amazing the second period was scoreless. Due to the officials calling six penalties between the two squads, the special teams were being rolled out left and right during the second. Both teams shut down goal attempt after goal attempt causing the next set of goals not to be seen until the third period.
Almost seven minutes into the third period, Victor Ejdsell fired a shot through traffic which squeaked into the net. No one saw that puck coming.
With 4:32 left in the game, Paul Bittner picked up Gabriel Carlsson’s rebound and fired it into the net to give the Monsters the 2-1 lead.
After an intense minute and a half of 6-on-4, the horn sounded and the Monsters skated away with the 2-1 win over the IceHogs.
But Wait! There’s More
Quick Thoughts
– It’s a shame Matiss Kivlenieks wasn’t named a start tonight. He was able to read almost every shot which came his way.
– Paul Bittner has been in the right place at the right time this season which has led to a few goals. We are seeing a more aggressive and skilled Bittner this year.
– There needs to be more parity between special team units and even strength lines. The top six is getting exhausted while the bottom six is sitting on the bench hungry to get on the ice. When the bottom six finally gets a chance, they aren’t out there long enough to give the top six a breather.
– We’ve seen the IceHogs and Monsters play each other three times this season and there has been no Broadhurst on Broadhurst crime. Pretty disappointing if you ask me.
– Another outstanding night for Gabriel Carlsson. It’s going to be a tough morning for him tomorrow. Carlsson blocked so many shots with his body tonight that the struggle will be real when it comes time to move. On a positive note, he will likely sleep well knowing multiple goals never came to fruition due to the sacrifice of Carlsson’s body.
3 Stars
1st – Paul Bittner (1g, 0a)
2nd – Victor Ejdsell (1g, 0a)
3rd – Zac Dalpe (1g, 0a)
Game Stats
What’s Next
The Monsters return to Quicken Loans Arena on Friday November 2nd and Sunday November 4th.
Cleveland takes on the defending Calder Cup Champions, the Toronto Marlies, on Friday at 7pm est. Fridays are a great day to have date night at the arena as you can get $1 Pepsi products, $2 Sugardale hotdogs, and $3 select 12 oz beers.
Sunday the Monsters take on their former division rival, the Grand Rapids Griffins, at 5pm est. It’s Monsters family day so there will be a post-game skate and select players will be giving out autographs. Even better, you can get a hotdog, chips, and a drink for only $6.