Laval Rocket (4) at Cleveland Monsters (2)
Attendance: 9,106
Starters
Monsters
Milano-MacInnis-Letestu
Cross-Carlsson
Berube
Rocket
Jevpalovs-Vejdemo-Grenier
Kulak-Fleury
Lindgren
Monsters Lines
Robinson-Vigneault-Bittner
Abramov-Broadhurst-Gerbe
Milano-MacInnis-Letestu
Thurkauf-Scott-Stenlund
Monsters Pairings
Cross-Carlsson
Simpson-Wade
Somerby-Collins
Goal Recap
The Cleveland Monsters came into tonight on a three game lose streak. While the Laval Rocket were riding high on a three game win streak. Last night didn’t go so well for the Monsters and they were looking for sweet, sweet redemption tonight.
They started off the first period with a bang scoring 2:17 into the game. Eric Robinson out-muscled Ryan Sproul before firing the puck from the faceoff circle past Charlie Lindgren.
“It happened pretty quick. I think it was the first shift. Good play by the defense to get it up. I was able to beat the D (Rocket’s defense) and get the shot. I was fortunate enough for it to go in.” – Eric Robinson
Thirty seconds later, the Rocket responded with their tying goal. Alexandre Alain went forehand to backhand before lifting the puck over Jean-Francois Berube’s right pad.
With 1:50 left in the second period, the Monsters took the 2-1 lead over the Rocket. Mark Letestu launched a shot towards Lindgren who managed to slow the puck down. As it rolled into the crease, it bounced off Calvin Thurkauf’s skate. Before it crossed the goal line, Thurkauf made sure to get his stick on the puck.
The Rocket came out hot and heavy in the third scoring 1:04 into the period. Byron Froese fired a shot towards the net which grazed Berube’s back before crossing the goal line.
A minute later, the Monsters took the 3-2 over the Rocket. Mark Letestu backhanded a pass to Alex Broadhurst who went top shelf on Lindgren.
With 30.4 seconds left in the game, Robinson launched the puck into the Rocket’s empty net. This goal sealed the deal for the Monsters win.
But Wait! There’s More
Quick Thoughts
· Wade is slowly but surely getting better with every game. He’s making smarter passes and applying more pressure on the opposition.
· Sonny Milano, Alex Broadhurst, Nathan Gerbe, Ryan MacInnis, and Mark Letestu were on the first power play unit tonight. Bold move by the coaching staff to make the unit all forwards. The second unit had one defender, Tommy Cross, playing alongside Paul Bittner, Kevin Stenlund, Eric Robinson, and Vitaly Abramov. They played a bit better and were incredibly aggressive.
· Speaking of aggressive, Paul Bittner played with the fire of a thousand suns tonight. He laid multiple bone shattering hits tonight.
· The energy of the Monsters was significantly more upbeat than it was last night. Why did it change? Well, before the game, Coach Madden reiterated what was important to work on tonight.
“Tonight, my message was regardless of the results lets work on our game, work on our fundamentals, work on the game we want to play, play it as long as we can, and have some fun.” – Head Coach John Madden
· Calvin Thurkauf was initially a scratch for the Monsters. However, after warmups, Thurkauf was told he’d be in the lineup. He took his chance, ran with it, and eventually came up big scoring a goal which would power the team to a great finish.
“He brought energy. He finished a lot of hits. He played smart. He stuck on pucks that were intended for other targets. He’s getting better.” – Head Coach John Madden
· Eric Robinson was on fire again tonight. There’s not much more I can say about this kid other than he’s a total pro already.
3 Stars
1st – Eric Robinson (2g, 0a)
2nd – Alex Broadhurst (1g, 0a)
3rd – Mark Letestu (0g, 2a)
Game Stats
What’s Next
The Monsters take the show on the road and head to Hershey to take on the Bears on Friday, November 16 and Saturday, November 17th. Both games take place at 7pm.
Friday’s game will be broadcast live on SportsTime Ohio.