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Monsters Take Commanding 3-0 Series Lead After 2-1 Win Over Grand Rapids

Behind 41 saves from goaltender Joonas Korpisalo and even-strength goals from Josh Anderson and Zach Werenski, Cleveland’s Lake Erie Monsters defeated the Grand Rapids Griffins 2-1 on Sunday at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, MI in game three of the best-of-seven Central Division Finals.

With the win, the Monsters will look to advance to the third round of the Calder Cup Playoffs for the first time in franchise history with a victory in Tuesday’s game four.

The Monsters grabbed a lightning-fast 1-0 lead on Sunday as Anderson took advantage of a Griffins defensive-zone turnover just 17 seconds into the game to bury an unassisted, even-strength marker, his team-leading fifth goal of the playoffs.

In the second period, Lukas Sedlak and Oliver Bjorkstrand combined to set up a one-time, right-circle finish by Werenski at 8:07 that made it 2-0 Monsters.

The Griffins’ lone game-three tally was provided by defenseman Ryan Sproul at 17:48 of the period, an even-strength center-point blast, assisted by Andy Miele and Colin Campbell.

Korpisalo improved to an AHL-best 6-0 in the postseason by virtue of a spectacular 41-save performance, while Grand Rapids net-minder Tom McCollum fell to 3-3 in the playoffs despite a solid, 21-save showing.

Next up for the Monsters, it’s game four of the best-of-seven Central Division Finals on Tuesday at 7:00pm.

Matt Loede has been a part of the Cleveland Sports Media for over 21 years, with experience covering Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, the National Football League and even high school and college events. He has been a part of the Cleveland Indians coverage since the opening of Jacobs/Progressive Field in 1994, and spent two and a half years covering the team for 92.3 The Fan, and covers them daily for Associated Press Radio. You can follow Matt on Twitter HERE.

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