Cleveland Monsters (2) at San Diego Gulls (1) – Overtime
Attendance: 6,259
Starters
Monsters
T.Broadhurst-Dalpe-A.Broadhurst
Gaunce-Collins
Kivlenieks
Gulls
Kossila-Carrick-Kerdiles
Megna-Larsson
Berra
Monsters Lines
T.Broadhurst-Dalpe-A.Broadhurst
Gerbe-Vigneault-Schroeder
Pendenza-Scott-Koules
Kujawinski-Thurkauf-Kessy
Monsters Pairings
Austin-Cockerill
Gaunce-Collins
Savage-Graves
Goal Recap
The Cleveland Monsters entered last night’s game against the San Diego Gulls rejuvenated and ready to play. On the flip side, the Gulls were a bit lethargic and played the sloppiest game they have played all season. Cleveland used this to their benefit last night.
The Monsters were all over the Gulls the entire first period. Guys who normally turnover the puck were forcing the Gulls to turnover pucks in the first period.
No goals were scored in the first period. However, Cleveland’s penalty kill was truly the bright spot of the first period and, quite frankly, the entire game.
The Gulls had four power plays last night and didn’t score on a single one. In fact, they barely had any scoring chances while having the man advantage.
San Diego did get their chance to score 3:45 into the second period.
The puck was tied up along the boards. Giovanni Fiore muscled it out and headed towards the goal line. Matiss Kivlenieks left no room in the net for Fiore to score. So, he passed the puck to Jacob Larsson who was patiently waiting at the blue line. After receiving the puck, Larsson slapped it towards Mitch Hults who saw Fiore open in the faceoff circle. Fiore one-timed the puck into the net behind Kivlenieks.
After Fiore’s goal, the Monsters dominated the bulk of the game scoring two unanswered goals. One in the second period and the eventual over time game winner.
Nine minutes into the second period, Nathan Gerbe went into warp speed and headed towards the net. He fired the puck off of Reto Berra’s pads. Berra was so focused on Gerbe he didn’t notice Jordan Schroeder sailing in to pick up the rebounded puck. Schroeder poked the puck into the net with ease to tie the game at one.
Cameron Gaunce brought the hammer down on the Gulls 18 seconds into overtime with a backhanded beauty to give the Monsters the win, 2-1.
Last night’s game was one of the most cohesive games the Monsters have played this season. Their teamwork and communication was off the charts. While not the best looking team in the league, they are looking better and better.
Onward and upwards guys!
But Wait! There’s More
3 Stars
1st – Zac Dalpe (0g,1a)
2nd – Jordan Schroeder (1g,0a)
3rd – Giovanni Fiore (1g, 0Aa)
Game Stats
Captaincy Report
The “A” was adorned on the sweaters of Alex Broadhurst, Zac Dalpe, and Nathan Gerbe.
Penalty Book/Milestones
Ryan Kujawinski and Kale Kessy made their debut as Monsters tonight.
Dallas Eakins coached his 500th AHL game last night.
What’s Next
Next they play three games in a row. Two against the San Jose Barracuda on March 9th and 10th. Then the Stockon Heat on March 11th.
On March 13th, they head to the Ontario to take on the Reign.
They finally leave California on March 16th but only to head to Texas where they will play the Stars.
The trip finally ends on St. Patricks day against the San Antonio Rampage.