The Lake Erie Monsters returned home tonight to take on the in-division Toronto Marlies. With the Marlies leading the Monsters by a single point in the standings, this game was important to both sides. Unfortunately, the Marlies climbed out of the hole they dug and buried the Monsters in their own snow, stomping them 4-7.
It didn't start out as a rout, though. The Monsters came out swinging with brutal checks, physically dominating play and an effective iron curtain defense in the opening period. At just 3:19 into the tilt, the Monsters Curtis Fraser opened up the dam by firing a shot that trickled behind the Toronto goalie. Everyone in the arena celebrated by throwing stuffed bears onto the ice. This was hilarious to see each team react; the Toronto goalie was absolutely irate and almost tore one in half.
No more than 5 minutes later though, the Marlies score on a defensive breakdown and spin Bacashihua around in his crease at the 7:00 mark. At only 12 minutes in, fights were aplenty and the two teams hatred for each other was already showing. As a result, the Monsters eventually go to a 5-on-3 PP. After one expires, the Monsters scored (a powerplay goal! Wow!), and made the game 2-1.
After the 1st, the rest of the game was a blur of good passing and poor execution. Bacashihua melted down and so did the defense. In the end, the Monsters were trying but the many errors did them in. Couple with late 3rd period penalties, it was the nail in the coffin.
They play the Houston Aeroes tomorrow; I hope they can turn around.
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As for the CBJ, they beat the New York Rangers today and win 2 crucial points (and hopefully some newfound confidence.) With the win they climb back to 8th in the Western Conference.
*phew*
A native Clevelander's ramblings and quips about Cleveland and Columbus' professional hockey teams, as well as the Indians and Browns.
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