Let’s Talk Monsters: Who Are The Cleveland Monsters As A Team So Far?

It has been close to a week since the Monsters finished off their opening weekend sweep of the Rockford IceHogs. It was a fun weekend for everyone involved. In a weekend that featured a banner being raised, new jerseys being unveiled, a new head coach and some new faces, what else could one have asked for?

As the team looks forward to a three-game road trip, let’s take a look back at some quotes from the opening weekend.

“There were a few times we got run around in our own zone. There were a few times where we brought problems on ourselves. We didn’t manage the puck very good. We were bending but we didn’t break. What I really saw from the guys is a bunch of guys that really enjoy winning and sticking together and fighting through some adversity with the penalties, so I was really impressed with a lot of guys’ games.”- Coach Madden after Game 1 Win

“I’m new to the league, so I’m learning some of the guys on the other team and team’s tendencies. We had a lot of returning guys and our coaching staff has been around so they helped out a lot.”- Coach Madden When Talking About Adjusting To The AHL

“He’s got a lot of things he brings. He’s quick, he’s fast he’s physical, he can make plays. He’s a competitor, so we thought that would be a good position for him. We needed a big centerman and hes filling the role just nicely.”-Coach Madden When Talking About Paul Bittner Moving To Center

“Being my first year and just hearing the numbers he threw up last year and how he played, what I really like about him is how composed he is in the net.”- Coach Madden When Talking About Goaltender Anton Forsberg

“Being one of the returning players and winning it last year, I think I definitely have a lot more confidence and more of a role on this team with a lot of guys leaving or going to Columbus. So I think it’ll be a pretty good year.”- Sonny Milano On Being A Leader This Year

“There’s a couple things we changed in my game that I don’t want to get into. But I feel more comfortable, feel more relaxed and that makes me play my game better. And I’ve been trying to do the same things I did last year and so far it worked out pretty well.”- Anton Forsberg On Working On His Game In The Offseason

This was a great weekend, as it showed that this team is still a very good team and it also has room to improve. So, my question for the analysis of the Monsters’ opening weekend is “Who are the Monsters as a team so far?” The answer: A complete team that looks to be even more defensively sound than last year.