Columbus Blue Jackets: Monsters Look to Sink Penguins
The Columbus Blue Jackets affiliate recorded their first loss on Thursday.
The Cleveland Monsters game on Thursday was reminiscent of a Columbus Blue Jackets game three or four years ago when it came to penalties. The Monsters gave up a total of eleven power plays, three of which were the difference in the game.
Now the Cleveland Monsters are ready to face-off against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins once again. This time they’re hoping for a different result however.
Seeing the dynamic offense get shutout likely won’t be a common occurrence this season but the Cleveland Monsters just seemed lost on Thursday. The duo of Zac Dalpe and Eric Robinson are both top ten in the AHL for scoring, with Dalpe in second and Robinson in seventh. John Madden is certainly hoping those two get back on the score board tonight.
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Goaltending has been a strong point in this season so far thanks to Jean-Francois Berube and Brad Thiessen.
In three games, Berube has a .933 save percentage while Thiessen only has had one start and has a .935 save percentage.
Expect Thiessen to get the start tonight as Berube has started the last two games, however it is possible that John Madden goes back with Berube because of his continuous solid performances. The Penguins goaltender will also be up in the air, Anthony Peters is the regular starter but they may roll with their backup for the first time in John Muse.
Special teams are the key to tonight’s game following eleven penalty kills and six failed power plays on Thursday.
Next. Three Takeaways from the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-4 Win at Florida. dark
The Monsters need to stay out of the penalty box if they hope to get the win tonight. On top of that, they need to take advantage of any power play opportunities that they get. The game starts at 7 PM EST tonight and can be seen on AHLTV.