WORCESTER, Mass. – The Manchester Monarchs dropped a crucial divisional game on Sunday afternoon, leaving the Bay State with a 4-2 loss at the hands of the Worcester Railers.
Worcester took three goals in the second period, including a goal from former Monarch Matt Schmalz eight minutes into the period.
Schmalz found a loose puck in a scramble in front of the net, the second of Worcester’s three goals, but Nic Pierog responded just 1:02 later, deking out Railers goaltender Mitch Gilliam to score his team-leading 17th goal of the season.
Tommy Kelley and Davvid Queeneville added goals in the last two minutes of the third period for the Monarchs and Railers respectively.
Following the loss, Manchester stands in fifth place with 38 points, tied with Brampton and three points behind Maine.
The Monarchs (18-17-1-1) return to action Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m., when they take on the Reading Royals from Santander Arena.