AHL Cleveland Monsters

Third Period Letdown Leads to Loss

Published on January 23, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Cleveland Monsters News Release


Lake Erie carried a 1-0 lead into the third period of Sunday's matinee with Peoria, but the Rivermen struck three times in the final frame to hand the Monsters a 3-1 loss at Quicken Loans Arena.

The Monsters have won five of their last seven games, holding a record of 21-21-3-4 overall and 12-7-2-2 on home ice.

Lake Erie took a 1-0 lead off a power play goal with just 28 seconds remaining in the opening period. From below the goal line on the right side of the net, Justin Mercier attempted a centering pass that deflected off a Peoria defenseman and into the cage. David van der Gulik assisted for his third point (2G, 1A) in as many games, while Ben Walter also recorded a helper for his team-leading 21st assist and 34th point.

The Monsters took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission, outshooting the Rivermen by a 16-7 count in the frame.

In a scoreless second period, Peoria totaled 13 shots to Lake Erie's eight.

The Monsters entered the third period with a 1-0 lead, but the Rivermen tied the game at a goal apiece by scoring 2:36 into the period. Anthony Nigro converted on a wraparound from the right side of the net, taking assists from Ryan Reaves and Tyler Shattock.

Just 1:21 later, Peoria took a 2-1 lead off Chris Porter's power play goal. From the right hash mark, Porter took a backhand shot that tipped off the right leg pad of Jason Bacashihua, before trickling across the goal line. Nicholas Drazenovic and former Monster T.J. Hensick assisted.

At 9:33 of the period, the Rivermen built a 3-1 lead. Drazenovic took a pass from Porter, went in on a quick breakaway and used a forehand-backhand move to give Peoria an insurance goal. Dave Spina also assisted.

Peoria's third goal finalized its 3-1 win, as the Rivermen outshot the Monsters 9-6 in the third period.

Bacashihua, who made his first start since January 12th, stopped 26 of 29 shots faced.

Ben Bishop went 29-for-30 in the win for Peoria.

The Monsters will continue their stretch of playing 12 of 13 games at home when they host the Toronto Marlies at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

Three Stars: 1. PEO Drazenovic (1 goal, 1 assist); 2. PEO Porter (GW goal, 1 assist); 3. PEO Bishop (29 saves)

Check out the Cleveland Monsters Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



American Hockey League Stories from January 23, 2011


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central