UTICA, N.Y. -- It was a much-anticipated return for goalie Nico Daws in net for Utica at home against AHL North-leading Cleveland, but the Monsters edge out the Comets for a 3-2 victory.
Utica scored the first goal in the first period off the stick of Graeme Clarke on the right side. It was Clarke's tenth goal of the season.
Cleveland would rally to earn the next two goals in the period. The first came from Roman Ahcan, less than two minutes into the frame. The next was scored by Jake Gaudet at the 10:09 mark.
Things got chippy late in the frame, as twice in less than a minute, Monsters players skated into goalie Nico Daws and knocking him to the ice. The second time, Carson Meyer's offense appeared more blatant to many.
A large-scale brawl ensued, eventually translating into a power play opportunity for the Comets. Within eight seconds on the advantage, Kyle Criscuolo rebounded and scored on a Xavier Parent shot that was stopped, knotting things up at two goals apiece in the second period.
The Comets drop their third-straight in a tense and very physical loss to Cleveland
In the third period, Cleveland's Carson Meyer added to the disdain of the Utica faithful when he collected what would turn out to be the game-winning goal, giving the Monsters the 3-2 lead.
Utica drops its third-straight game. They resume play on Wednesday evening on the road at Lehigh Valley. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m.
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