clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

From the Monsters Desk: The Pressure Is On

By earl06
lostgirlwendy on instagram

Yes, the beloved Monsters [23-26-6] playoff chances are all but lost for the season, but this weekend represents the last gasp of hope. Two games against the Marlies [33-18-4] then a 3rd-in-3 versus Hamilton [25-25-5], if LEM win all 3 they still have a chance and more importantly get themselves out of the Western Conference cellar.

Two things going in the Monsters favor, the Leafs have called up all the good players so the Marlies will be a bit short on talent, and Hamilton now has Devan Dubnyk.

Of course Lake Erie faced these same 2 teams last weekend. Friday night, the Monsters played a decent game but ended up a little short in the shootout, losing to the Bulldogs 3-2. Recap here. Sunday afternoon, they faced off against the Marlies and both teams looked awful. It was the 4th game of the week for the Monsters and they pretty much ran out of gas in the 3rd period. Toronto scored 2 goals 35 seconds apart then added an ENG and LE fell 5-2. Bright spot: Hishon came back from injury, again, and scored, and Mike Sgarbossa had a goal with Calvin Pickard getting an assist.

Some good news on the injury front this week! Joey Hishon returned to the ice Friday and hopefully he can add a sprk for the remaining games. David Van der Gulik was cleared to play by the Avs and sent down to LEM on Saturday, no word on when he returns yet. Robin Soudek was just returned to Denver so it could be this weekend. Mikael Tam was recalled by the Monsters this week so one of the defensemen is possibly ailing. Word trickling down from the Avalanche is that Sami has a concussion, not good news but good to know.

Sami Aittokallio got some new pads this week, hopefully he gets a chance to use them soon.


Friday's game will be March for Dimes night featuring these sweaters:

Bh-oiy8caaakwwu_medium

But wait there's more!


Definitely want those.

The Avalanche signed a CHL free agent this week who will more than likely begin next year with the Monsters. Former teammate of Trevor Cheek with the Edmonton Oil Kings Cody Corbett. A 6'1 200# defenseman that can score, I'm looking forward to seeing him.

Fresh off the presses, Dennis Manoloff continues his "Off the Ice" column with this week's guest Karl Stollery. Like Siemens, he has some thoughts about Mooses.

Thanks to HealthSpanMonday, here's Mitchell Heard with his pre-game ritual:


Doug Plagens caught up with Joey Hishon after morning skate today:


Schedule:

Monsters vs Marlies Friday 7:30pm ET, radio on WKNR

Monsters at Marlies Saturday 3:00pm ET, radio on WKNR

Monsters at Bulldogs Sunday 3:00pm ET, radio on WHK

Links:

Team Stats

AHL Standings

* * * * *

Here at pgt, we'll keep trying 'til we run out of season. Go!

Friday - "Terminus El Dorado" from Ted Nugent

Saturday - "Thunder Kiss '65" from White Zombie

Sunday - "Lunchbox" from Marilyn Manson

* * * * *

3 games, 3 days and only Saturdays conflicts with the Avs, stop by and support your Monsters.

Meursy had another golden one yesterday asking about what would happen if there were no letters or numbers, but unfortunately he deleted it. Should have got a screen grab, oh well.