by After defeating the Belleville Senators 3-1, The North Division champion Cleveland Monsters host The Tampa Bay affiliate Syracuse Crunch in a best out of five series to be one step closer to the coveted Calder Cup.
The Monsters secured game one of the North Division final in what will be considered a defensive master class thanks to Jet Graves in the 1-0 win. The one goal for the Monster came at an unexpected time during a short-handed penalty kill in the third period.
Cleveland Browns hard hitting Second round draft pick Michael Hall Jr set the crowd into a frenzy for the celebratory puck drop. The Monster used the inspiration in the start of the first period has they laid the smack down on the opposition. Despite the Monsters leading in hits and playing more physical, the Crunch dominated possession and put up more quality shots.
It appeared as if the Monsters had to work harder just to get it past the blue line let alone set up an offensive possession. The Crunch Forecheck applied pressure to the defensive line of Cleveland when in their own half of the ice. Despite the Monsters struggles to get the puck in the net, Syracuse didn’t manage a goal either. The hard hitting defense of the Monsters and the steady goaltending from Jet Graves held off the Crunch attack in the first period.
The first period saw the Monsters create more chances on the offensive end and create a handful of one on one chances against the goalie. Despite the uptick in offense the Monsters failed to capitalize on any of their chances including a centering pass that the Crunch goalie barely got a pad on it. Graves stayed strong in net despite multiple chances from the Crunch to score their first goal. Graves continued his strong play between the poles from last game where he only gave up a single goal. The second period carried the theme of heavy hits and physical penalties on both sides. Despite the tough play the second period ended the same way it began, 0-0.
The third period was a combination of creative offensive and stellar defense for the Monsters. A two minute minor against them made it appear that Syracuse was close to obtaining momentum. Monsters left winger Justin Pearson deked and dangled his way Infront of the net as he zipped the puck into the nut for an impressive short-handed goal.
Despite the Monsters creating more chances they defended this one goal lead the best they have defended all year long. The stout Monsters defense faced a Crunch team with a pulled goalie and a penalty kill going against them for the remainder of the game. Despite the odds and the six to four men advantage the Monsters didn’t allow the Crunch to score as Jet Graves flashed his glove at the speed of light to keep the lead for his team at the games most dire moment. Graves was awarded the star of the game and sharped off the number 11 for the countdown to the Calder Cup. Cleveland will look to jump two games ahead of Syracuse on Saturday 1:00 pm at Rocket Mortgage Field House.
