For the 10th consecutive game, the Lake Erie Monsters battled to a one-goal decision, but Wednesday afternoon in Toronto it was the North Division-leading Toronto Marlies (37-22-4-3) earning a 2-1 shootout victory over the Monsters (32-26-3-5). David van der Gulik registered the only goal for Lake Erie, who now have just one goal over their last two games. Wednesday’s game was the ninth meeting of the 10-game season series between the two teams, which concludes Saturday night at Quicken Loans Arena.

Greg Scott gave Toronto the early advantage when he buried a wrist shot from the left circle at 6:59 of the first period; his 17th goal was the only one of the opening period.

The score would remain 1-0 in favor of the Marlies until deep into the second period.

With the Monsters on a four-minute power play late in the second, van der Gulik tipped home an Aaron Gens point shot to tie the game at 1-1 for the Monsters. van der Gulik's ninth of the season was also assisted by Peter MacArthur, with the goal coming at 17:26 of the middle frame.

After a scoreless third period and overtime, the Marlies converted twice in the shootout and Toronto goalie Ben Scrivens held the Monsters scoreless to secure the second point for Toronto.

Cedrick Desjardins is now 12-8-3 with the shootout loss; he stopped 24 of 25 shots. Ben Scrivens is 19-14-1 with the win; he stopped 18 of 19 shots.

The Monsters are back on the ice at Quicken Loans Arena Thursday at 7:00 PM, and all the action can be heard live on AM 1220 WHKW and seen live on FOX Sports Ohio.

NOTES: The Monsters are now 4-4-0-1 against Toronto, and have lost the last three meetings between the two clubs... The Monsters are now 15-16-1-3 away from Quicken Loans Arena, compared to 17-11-2-1 on home ice... The team will play its next three games at The Q… The Monsters were 5-5 on the penalty kill in the shootout loss to Toronto, following Saturday's 5-5 night on the penalty kill against Chicago... Peter MacArthur has a goal and four assists for five points over his last five games... Mike Connolly returned to the Monsters lineup, playing his third game this season with the AHL club; the rookie forward was returned to the Monsters by the parent Colorado Avalanche after playing the first two NHL games of his career.