CLEVELAND –
The Monsters leapt to a 2-0 lead in the first period thanks to a pair of power-play goals, from Sonny Milano at 14:39 on feeds from Kerby Rychel and Zach Werenski, and Steve Eminger at 17:33, with T.J. Tynan and Werenski posting assists on the play. With just seconds remaining in the opening frame, Grand Rapids took advantage of a five-on-three power-play to draw within a goal thanks to an Eric Tangradi transition score at 19:56.
In the second period, the Griffins claimed a 3-2 lead thanks to back-to-back markers from Xavier Ouellet at 2:05 at even-strength, and Andy Miele at 14:58 on the power-play.