ROSEMONT, Ill. – Jaime Sifers scored 3:29 into overtime to lift the Cleveland Monsters 3-2 over the Chicago Wolves Thursday night at Allstate Arena. The loss ended the Wolves home winning streak at eight games – one contest shy of tying the franchise record last achieved in 2003.
Chicago (35-17-5-3) twice overcame one-goal deficits – with tallies from veterans Brett Sterling and James Wisnieski – to send the game to extra time. Former Monsters player Andrew Agozzino assisted on both goals, but it was not enough.
“I thought for the first half of the game, we were just OK,” said Wolves head coach Craig Berube. “But I thought we had a real good third period and a good overtime. We had lots of chances. Their goalie played well.”
After a scoreless first period, Jordan Maletta netted the game’s first marker on the rush at 8:06 to give Cleveland (27-24-3-4) the 1-0 lead.
Just 2:11 into the third session, Sterling zipped off the left wing and snapped a shot over Anton Forsberg’s shoulder to tie the game.
However, 1:06 later, former Wolves forward Akim Aliu buried the puck during a 4-on-1 rush for Cleveland to retake the lead, 2-1.
With just over fives minutes to play – and two Monsters players in the penalty box – the Wolves again tied the game when Wisniewski lasered a shot from the top of the left circle.
In the extra frame, the Wolves pressured early – both Kenny Agostino and Agozzino had excellent chances – but the Monsters were the victor at 3:29 of the stance when former Wolves defenseman Sifers swatted home a rebound in the crease.
Monsters netminder Forsberg (18-12-3) made 33 saves for the victory while Wolves goaltender Jordan Binnington (12-6-5) made 25 saves in the loss.
The Wolves face the Milwaukee Admirals on Saturday (March 11) at UWM Panther Arena. Puck drop is set for 6 p.m., and the Amtrak Rivalry game will be broadcast on CW50 in the Chicago area.
Chicago returns home to Allstate Arena on Wednesday, March 15, for its final showdown of the season with the Texas Stars. Game time is 7 p.m. for the debut of the team’s St. Patrick’s Day jerseys, presented by Jewel-Osco, and the contest will stream on AHLLive.com. For ticket information or complete 2016-17 game and broadcast schedules, visit ChicagoWolves.com.
