The shutout came as Lake Erie’s second of the season (Oct. 31 vs. Manitoba, 2-0) and the win improves the team’s record to 7-7-1-2.

Goaltender Jason Bacashihua has backstopped both of Lake Erie’s shutouts this season. On Wednesday he was a perfect 29-for-29 in his seventh start in the past nine games for the Monsters. His overall record stands at 5-4-2 this season.

The Monsters jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first period by scoring on their first power play opportunity of the night. From the right point, Ray Macias unleashed a blast into the right side of the net at the 3:19 mark. Macias took a pass from Kevin Montgomery, while Tom Zanoski also assisted.

Moments later, Lake Erie went up 2-0 by scoring in a four-on-four situation. From the top of the goal crease, Mark Olver sent a backhand shot into the bottom left corner of the net at 7:35. Olver’s goal came as his fourth of the season and he was assisted by Cameron Gaunce, who recorded back-to-back points for the second time this season.

Lake Erie pushed its lead to 3-0 when Olver scored his second of the night at 16:50. Olver weaved into the offensive zone, tried a shot the hash mark and buried his own rebound for his first multi-goal game of the season. Zanoski assisted for his second two-point outing of the season, while Brandon Rogers also assisted.

Three goals in the opening 16:50 spelled the end of Grand Rapids goaltender Thomas McCollum’s night, as he was relieved by Jordan Pierce. McCollum stopped 11 of 14 shots faced.

On the strength of a three-goal lead in the middle frame, Lake Erie held Grand Rapids to just six shots on goal.

Despite being outshot 11-7 in the third period, Lake Erie locked down defensively to hold the Griffins scoreless and sustain the shutout.

Coming into tonight’s contest, the Griffins (8-5-0-3) had the second-most efficient power play unit in the AHL (23.4%), but the Monsters denied all six of their chances with the man advantage.

Pearce stopped all 14 shots faced in relief of McCollum.

The Monsters will conclude their season-high eight-game home stand on Friday night when they host the Toronto Marlies for a 7:30 p.m. start.

Three Stars: 1.LE Bacashihua (29 saves); 2. LE Olver (2 goals); 3.LE Zanoski (2 assists)