The Cleveland Monsters knew it would not be easy to beat the defending Calder Cup champions, the Toronto Marlies. They had to enter tonight’s game with strength, confidence, and skill in order to make a statement in game one.
A statement was made. It just wasn’t a good one.
Things started off alright for the Monsters. The special teams saw eight minutes of ice time during the first period due to the Monsters and Marlies alternating penalties. Neither the Marlies or Monsters special teams looked playoff ready. The Monsters power play was full of turnovers and weird passes.