Another slow start combined with what Greg Moore called, “a lack of intensity in the defensive zone,” dug the Marlies a hole they were never able to climb out of against the Monsters on Friday night.
First Period
The Monsters were too easily able to build a 2-0 with 3:37 on the clock due to the lack of intensity mentioned by Moore. Cleveland simply wasn’t put under any real pressure in possession, resulting in Dillon Simpson applying the redirect in front of a shot Calvin Thurkauf.
Jake Muzzin, making his first-ever appearance for the Toronto Marlies on a conditioning stint, wasn’t immune to the own-zone mistakes that have plagued this team throughout the season.