Lake Erie began the game with a physical approach and attacks in the Peoria zone that led to early chances.

The Monsters began the game with a power play tally at the 5:31 mark of the first via the blade of Ray Macias, his third as a Monster. Macias’ marker was assisted by forwards Matt Hussey and Mark Rycroft.

To add to their one goal lead, the Monsters posted another goal on a 3-1 advantage started by defenseman Mike Vernace and finished by center Brent Kelly at the 10:01 mark of the first. Kelly’s tally marks his third of the season, while Vernace’s assist is his 12th of the year.

“Vernace just chipped it up the wall and the bench was telling me that Peoria didn’t have anyone on me, so I just skated down the ice. Hussey and Vernace were with me, but the defense took Vernace away, so I just shot it and it went in,” said Kelly.

Peoria answered with two markers of their own, the first in the second period at the 11:29 mark from center Julian Talbot, his 10th of the season.

The game-tying goal was netted by Peoria center Yan Stastny at the 9:25 mark of the third.

The overtime period went by in a flash as neither team could muster a marker.

The shootout began with the Monsters on the first draw. Chris Stewart put the biscuit in the basket for the Monsters first and only shootout tally.

Peoria followed up with three shootout makes of their own to seal the victory.

“Tonight was a better effort all around. We were looking for the guys to respond from last night’s poor effort and we certainly had some guys step up. We need to play for 60 minutes every night to have a chance. We didn’t do that again tonight,” said Monsters head coach Joe Sacco.

Lake Erie netminder Mike Wall stopped 36 of 38 shots in regulation. Opposing goalie Marek Schwarz stopped 18 of the 20 that he faced.

The Monsters return to action Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at home versus the Grand Rapids Griffins.

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Three Stars
Jean-Guy Trudel (PEO)	Charles Linglet (PEO)	Julian Talbot (PEO)
Quote, Unquote
“Not really last night, but tonight everyone worked very hard, we just have to put the puck in the net more. We are working hard but just not getting the results right now. We have a nice break for Christmas, and we’ll come out ready to go on Wednesday night.” - Monsters center Brent Kelly | More Quotes