The I-71 Shift: 2017 Week 7 in Cleveland Monsters Hockey
After winning both of their games in Week 6, did the Cleveland Monsters stay hot during Week 7? Did any NHL regulars return to Cleveland for another weekend game?
The Cleveland Monsters (7-4-2-1) dominated their week 6 opponent, the Milwaukee Admirals. However, they faced them for the third game in a row during week 7 and then returned to Cleveland for a two-game series against the Texas Stars. Let’s get strapped in for the summary of a three-game week!
Game 15: Three in a Row?
Cleveland traveled to Milwaukee wanting to beat the Admirals for the third game in a row. Unfortunately, the start was not what the Monsters were looking for.
Despite the Monsters’ 12 shots on goal in the first period, it was Milwaukee who obtained two goals. Harry Zolnierczyk (6) and Bobby Butler (6) were the beneficiaries.
The Monsters would get their first goal six minutes into the second period. After receiving a pass from Alex Broadhurst, Joe Pendenza skated hard up the left side of the ice. With a defender draped all over him, Pendenza (4) still beat Admirals’ netminder Anders Lindback. (See the goal at 2:30 in the video below.)
The Monsters tied the game late in the third with a goal that glanced off the body of Alex Broadhurst (2) from a wicked shot from the left point by Doyle Somerby. (See the goal at 3:04.)
After going for 65:00, a shootout became necessary. The Admirals’ Butler beat Brad Thiessen and kept his team from being swept by the Monsters.
Related Story: Columbus Blue Jackets Prospects Continue to Dominate the QMJHL
Game 16: The Stars Come Out (at 1 in the Afternoon)
The Cleveland Monsters would return to The Q for a two-game homestand against the Texas Stars – AHL affiliate of the Dallas Stars. However, the Stars wanted to ruin the Monsters’ Thanksgiving weekend.
In the first game, the Stars would do just that, scoring three goals in 21:00 after the start of period 2.
Cleveland’s only goal occurred on their fourth powerplay opportunity and was scored by Miles Koules (4). Dean Kukan and Andre Benoit provided assists on the play.
Texas would score an empty net goal in the final minute of the game. The final score was 4-1 Texas Stars on top.
Matiss Kivlenieks saved 25 of 28 in his fifth loss of the season.
The highlights are below, but the audio is awful again. I recommend turning off your speakers for this one.
Game 16: Former Monsters Return Again
Prior to Saturday’s game, the Columbus Blue Jackets assigned Joonas Korpisalo and Markus Hannikainen to the Cleveland Monsters. Although he started last weekend in Cleveland, Korpisalo had not started an NHL game since November 7th and needed some time in net at game speed before the Jackets played four games this week.
Unfortunately, the rust showed early. The Stars’ Roope Hintz scored a powerplay goal at 2:40 of the first period. Former Blue Jacket and Monster Andrew Bodnarchuk provided the secondary assist on the play.
The Monsters Nick Moutrey answered 1:01 later. Carter Camper launched the puck into the slot from high above the left circle. Moutrey found the puck and put it behind Stars goalie Landon Bow before Bow tracked the puck down. The first period would end in a 1-1 tie.
The Stars would score twice, with one assist from former Monster Dylan Heatherington, before the Monsters could find paydirt again.
Down two goals and on the powerplay, Coach John Madden made the decision to pull Korpisalo early and give his team a 6 on 4 advantage. After another Camper shot from the point, Koules scored his second powerplay goal in as many games. Unfortunately, the Monsters couldn’t tie the game and lost 3-2.
The audio warning also applies to this video. Turn your speakers off.
After the game, Columbus recalled Korpisalo and Hannikainen. They also reassigned Kivlenieks to Cleveland.
Next: The I-71 Shift: 2017 Week 6 in Cleveland Monsters Hockey
Week 8 in Cleveland Monsters Hockey
The Monsters’ finished the week with a record of 7-6-2-2.
Cleveland will look to bounce back in Week Eight with a two-game series north of the border. The Monsters will play the Manitoba Moose, AHL affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets.
In other roster news, the Monsters released Terry Broadhurst from his Professional Tryout contract this week. They also recalled Bobby MacIntyre who had been on loan to the ECHL’s Jacksonville Icemen.
On Tuesday, November 28th, the Blue Jackets brought Gabriel Carlsson to Columbus and sent Hannikainen back to the Monsters. The following day, Columbus sent both Carlsson and Jordan Schroeder up I-71 to the Cleveland Monsters.