The Cleveland Monsters delivered a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against the Syracuse Crunch in Game Three of the North Division Semifinals, proving that their offense can step up when it matters most in the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs.
The game started with Syracuse dominating early, outshooting Cleveland 9-3 in the first period. The Crunch capitalized on their pressure at the 10:08 mark when forward Spencer Kersten found the back of the net, giving Syracuse a 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission.
But the Monsters came out firing in the second period, with forward Riley Bezeau scoring just eight seconds into the frame to tie the game at 1-1. Syracuse responded with three power-play opportunities in the final 5:45 of the period, putting five shots on goal and outshooting Cleveland 12-8 overall. However, it was Cleveland's Guillaume Richard who broke the deadlock, scoring the go-ahead goal to put the Monsters up 2-1. The lead lasted just over six minutes before Syracuse's Nick Abruzzese found the equalizer on the Crunch's 12th shot of the period, sending the game tied 2-2 into the third.
The third period was a back-and-forth battle, with Syracuse barely outshooting Cleveland 11-10. Both teams exchanged goals, forcing the game into overtime—a familiar territory for playoff hockey fans who know that extra time often brings the most dramatic moments.
In overtime, Cleveland's Hudson Fasching initially missed on a breakaway opportunity but quickly redeemed himself with a wraparound goal that sealed the 4-3 victory for the Monsters. It was a moment that showcased the resilience and clutch performance that defines playoff hockey.
Between the pipes, Cleveland goalie Zach Sawchenko was stellar, making 31 saves on 34 shots for a .912 save percentage. His counterpart, Syracuse goalie Brandon Halverson, stopped 28 of 32 shots for an .875 save percentage.
For fans of the game, this series is a reminder that playoff hockey is all about momentum shifts, timely scoring, and goaltending that can steal a win. Whether you're cheering from the stands or watching from home, the energy of the Calder Cup Playoffs is unmatched—and the Monsters are proving they have the offensive firepower to keep their championship hopes alive.