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CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Monsters dropped a 3-2 overtime decision to the Providence Bruins on Saturday afternoon at Rocket Arena, marking the team’s third overtime loss of the season. Matthew Poitras scored the game-winner on a power play just 45 seconds into overtime to seal the victory for Providence, which improved to 10-1-0-0. The loss dropped Cleveland to 3-2-3-1 and fifth place in the AHL’s North Division standings. Will Butcher opened the scoring with a power-play goal at 7:48 of the first period, assisted by Luca Pinelli and Justin Pearson, giving Cleveland a 1-0 lead after one period. Providence answered with a shorthanded goal from Jake Schmaltz at 3:48 of the second period. But Brendan Gaunce restored Cleveland’s lead with a power-play tally at 11:11, with assists from Butcher and Mikael Pyyhtiä, sending the Monsters into the third period ahead 2-1. John Farinacci tied the game for Providence at 8:55 of the third period, forcing overtime. Cleveland goaltender Zach Sawchenko made 18 saves in the loss, while Providence’s Simon Zajicek stopped 28 shots to earn the win. The Monsters travel to face the Chicago Wolves on Friday at 8 p.m. at Allstate Arena.
