Monsters end Iowa win streak

DES MOINES, IA – The Iowa Wild (24-19-5-1, 54 points) were defeated by the Cleveland Monsters (22-18-2-3, 49 points) 2-1 in overtime in front of 3,713 fans on Wednesday night at the Wells Fargo Arena. Monsters defenseman Dean Kukan scored with 1:08 left in regulation to tie the game and defenseman Jaime Sifers gave Cleveland the win at 1:45 of OT. Despite the overtime loss, Iowa’s point streak extends to nine games (6-0-3-0) and the team has points in 13 of its last 14 games (10-1-3-0). Wild goalie Alex Stalock (15-10-5) stopped 32 of 34 shots in the loss. Monsters goalie Brad Thiessen (2-3-1) stopped 17 of 18 shots in the win. Zack Mitchell scored the lone goal for the Wild. Iowa welcomes Grand Rapids at 7 PM on Friday at Wells Fargo Arena.

Wild forward Zack Mitchell opened the scoring on the power play at 1:18 of the first period, giving Iowa an early 1-0 lead. Mitchell’s seventh goal of the season was set up by forwards Sam Anas and Teemu Pulkkinen. Anas carried the puck into the Cleveland zone and made a cross-ice pass to Pulkkinen, who found Zack Mitchell in front of the net.

After a scoreless second period, Monsters defenseman Dean Kukan scored on the power play at 18:52 of the third period, tying the game 1-1. Kukan’s second goal of the year was assisted by forwards Markus Hannikainen and Sonny Milano.

Monsters defenseman Jaime Sifers scored his fifth goal of the season 1:45 seconds into overtime. Forward Joe Pendenza and Milano helped set up the goal that defeated Iowa 2-1.