(lakeeriemonsters.com) — Mike Connolly‘s goal 21 seconds into overtime propelled the Lake Erie Monsters (30-30-3-7) to a 3-2 win over the North Division-leading Toronto Marlies (38-21-3-6) Wednesday afternoon at Ricoh Coliseum.
Thomas Pock and Andrew Agozzino scored in regulation for the Monsters, who were 2-for-2 on the power play in the game. Sami Aittokallio stopped 35 of 37 shots in net for the Monsters.
Agozzino scored at 13:16 of the first period for the frame’s only goal when he redirected a Markus Lauridsen point shot for his 18th goal of the season. Geoff Walker also assisted on the power-play goal.
Jerry D’Amigo got his 16th goal of the year at 10:37 of the second period to tie the score, and Sam Carrick‘s goal 7:40 into the third gave the Marlies the lead until Pock netted a power-play goal at 15:38 on the power play, tying the game at 2-2.
Coincidental minor penalties late in regulation time caused the teams to begin sudden-death overtime playing three-on-three. Connolly made a move and converted on a backhand attempt against Marlies goalie Mark Owuya to net the game-winner just 21 seconds into the extra frame.
With the win, Lake Erie moves to within five points of eighth place in the AHL’s Western Conference.
