With a 3-1 win in Grand Rapids on Saturday night, the Monsters recorded their third straight win for the first time this season. It was also the second time in four days Lake Erie has played and defeated the Griffins, after shutting out Grand Rapids in Cleveland on Wednesday. Saturday began a stretch of four road games in five days for the Monsters, who are in the midst of playing eight games in 11 days.

The Monsters got off to a slow start, putting up only five shots in the first period, compared to 12 from Grand Rapids. However, neither time was able to find the back of the net, going to the intermission with a scoreless tie.

Luke Walker quickly changed that, scoring his second goal of the year just 1:50 into the second frame, assisted by Justin Mercier.

Grand Rapids evened the score midway through the second on an unassisted goal by Derek Meech at 12:20.

Three minutes later, Ben Walter put the Monsters back on top with his team-leading sixth goal of the season. Kevin Montgomery and Mark Olver were credited with the assists at 15:33. The Monsters finished the second period ahead 2-1.

Lake Erie maintained their one-goal lead through more than half the third period before Ryan Stoa notched his second goal in as many nights, sealing the 3-1 win for the Monsters. Julian Talbot and Montgomery assisted. With two helpers on the night, Montgomery registered his first multi-point game of the year.

Goaltender Trevor Cann recorded his first Monsters win of the season, posting 32 saves on 33 shots on Saturday. Grand Rapids netminder Jordan Pearce had 23 saves on 26 shots faced in the loss.

Lake Erie's penalty kill continued its success on Saturday, killing off all four Griffins power plays. The last time the Monsters allowed a power play goal was November 7th against Grand Rapids, when Logan Pyett opened the game with a power play goal 1:51 into the contest. Entering Saturday's game with the Griffins, Lake Erie's PK was ranked third in the AHL.

The Monsters will wrap up their three-in-three weekend in Chicago on Sunday.