ROSEMONT, Ill. – Marc-Andre Bergeron’s goal 55 seconds into overtime lifted the Cleveland Monsters to a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Wolves Saturday night at Allstate Arena.
In a tightly contested tilt that required extra time, the Wolves got on the board first, but Cleveland’s Bergeron – playing in his first game with the Monsters (13-11-1-2) – and Jaime Sifers each netted a goal to help Cleveland slide by the Wolves (13-10-3-1).
“We’re not getting enough opportunities,” said Wolves head coach Craig Berube. “We’re not shooting the puck enough and getting enough rebounds. We’re kind of on the outside right now. And we’re not getting a lot of power plays.”
Following a scoreless first period, the Wolves bit first near the midway point of the second frame when a Mackenzie MacEachern shot from the bottom of the right offensive circle ricocheted off Scooter Vaughan near the goal line and past Cleveland netminder Anton Forsberg (9-6-1).
However, Cleveland found the answer at 12:56 of the same session as Sifers beat goaltender Pheonix Copley (5-4-2) for his second goal this season against Chicago.
Chicago poured on the pressure in the third period — outshooting Cleveland 9-3— but could not crack Forsberg. Copley turned aside 3 shots to keep it a 1-1 game.
In overtime, Chicago had the first chance, but Cleveland gained control and capitalized just 55 seconds into the frame when Bergeron wristed a shot past Copley for the 2-1 final score.
Forsberg, the game’s second star, made 21 saves for the victory, while Copley stopped 21 shots in the loss.
The Wolves are back in action 4 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 18) at Allstate Arena against the Rockford IceHogs in Illinois Lottery Cup competition. The intrastate rivals are squaring off the fifth time this season, but the Schmaltz brothers – Jordan (Chicago) and Nick (Rockford) – are facing off for the first time in their professional careers.
To purchase tickets or to view a complete 2016-17 game schedule, visit ChicagoWolves.com.
