The North Division finals resume tonight at Coca-Cola Arena (7 p.m. ET, 
) Toronto hosts Cleveland in Game 3.
The Monsters blew a two-goal lead in Game 1, but they didn’t let history repeat itself in Game 2, defeating the Marlies 3-1 to even the series at one apiece. Roman Arkan (1-0-1), Michael Pitiya (2-2-4) and Luca Pinelli (1-1-2) scored for Cleveland, while Zach Sochenko (4-1, 1.85, .924) Stopped 17 of 18 shots.
A puck error leads to a shorthanded goal Bo Glucks (3-3-6) cut Cleveland’s lead to 2-1 late in the second quarter.
“It’s something we’ve discussed,” Monsters head coach Trent Vogelhuber explain. “Emotions are high in the playoffs. It’s so easy to do swing things when things happen, good or bad, and it’s really important that you don’t do that. We knew we were playing well at the time. It was a bad rebound and they scored a goal — it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t affect the way you play. You have to be diligent about what you’re doing and trust your process.”
Cleveland shut down the Marlies’ power play early in the third quarter, getting an insurance goal from Pinelli with 7:06 left and limiting the Raptors to 18 shots. This is the fourth consecutive game that Mali has controlled fewer than 20 shots.
‘You can see it coming again,’ Toronto head coach John Gruden explain. “The script from last time looks familiar. You can only play catch-up so many times.”
monsters advance Zach Aston-Reese and his wife alexandra Welcome baby boy oliver May 8th. After missing the first game, Aston Rees returned to the lineup and provided an assist in the second game.
“It’s definitely hard to say goodbye and come back, but I also love being with the kids,” said Aston-Reese, who spent the birth with his family in New Jersey. “It’s a great locker room. I put on some good skates and felt good in there.”
In the Pacific Division finals, the Colorado Eagles look to close out the Coachella Valley as they take a 2-1 series lead in tonight’s Game 4 (9:05 ET, ).
The Eagles are seeking to reach the AHL Western Conference Finals for the first time.
Chase Bradley (3-3-6) Colorado had two goals and an assist in Sunday’s Game 3 win 4-1. Ivan Ivan (1-8-9) has two assists, giving him six points in his past five games.
“They have the ability to read each other and the way they play is made for the playoffs,” Colorado head coach Mark Lightstu Speaking of Bradley, Ivan & Jason Paulin. “They played hard in the 200-foot game and were responsible in all areas. They’re being rewarded for that work now. It’s contagious, and when guys play like that, it’s contagious throughout the hockey team.”
Gavin Brindley (2-3-5) Added one goal and one assist Trent Miner (7-2, 1.18, .950) made 28 saves for the Eagles in Game 3; Miner allowed just 11 goals on 221 shots in nine playoff games.
Colorado has been without a captain Jason Megna – and 70 career Calder Cup playoff games – come into this series after he was injured in the last round.
“Right now, our team is really backing up to win,” Letestu said. “There’s no doubt there’s a void when a guy like Megs goes down – he’s been huge for us – but it’s a team effort. Everybody picks up a little bit of slack and you put in a 60-minute effort like we did. [in Game 3]”.
Coachella Valley has won four elimination games in this postseason, beating Bakersfield and Ontario from the brink.
‘We need everybody to get on board,’ Firebirds head coach Derek Laxdale explain. “Colorado is a great team and our guys have done a great job getting us to where we are now.”
