In a strange contest with a lot of run-and-gun hockey, the Marlies were mostly outmatched in that department by a speedy Cleveland team that excels in transition.
“We got too much into a foot race with this team,” said Greg Moore. “They break out fast and get above pressure really well. Early on, you could see the guys were committed to playing the right way, getting pucks to the bottom, and establishing our o-zone, but we were a little disconnected with our F1 and F2. That got better as the game wore on, but even with our F3 trying to stay above, they have a really good rush game.