GLENS FALLS, N.Y. – The Manchester Monarchs weren’t able to capitalize on Robbie Donahoe’s first ECHL goal, falling to the Adirondack Thunder, 5-2, Wednesday night at the Glens Falls Civic Center.
The Monarchs (20-12-0-3) now lead the Thunder (20-8-1-1) by one point for the top spot in the East Division.
Adirondack got on the board early with the 12th goal of the season off the stick of Michael Kirkpatrick at 2:21 of the first period. Kirkpatrick carried the puck into the Monarchs zone on an odd-man rush, and ripped a shot from the slot up and over Monarchs goaltender, Colin Stevens, for the first goal of the night.
The Thunder added to their lead when Ryan Constant scored his fourth goal of the season 44 seconds into the second period. Constant sent a slap shot from the left point past a screened Stevens to put the Thunder up, 2-0.
Adirondack made the game 3-0 on the third goal of the season for Mads Eller just 21 seconds later. Although Stevens made the initial save on a slap shot from the point, he kicked the rebound directly to Eller who one-timed the carom into an open net for the 3-0 lead.
The Monarchs got on the board when Maxim Kitsyn scored his 11th goal of the season at 1:32 of the third period. After extended pressure in the Thunder zone, a shot by Derek Arnold was blocked but dropped to Kitsyn in the slot, where he buried a backhand past Thunder goalie, Kent Simpson.
Alexandre Carrier gave the Thunder a three-goal lead again, scoring his third goal of the season at 1:55 of the final frame. Carrier stole the puck from Stevens behind the net and wrapped a backhand around the post into the yawning cage.
Robbie Donahoe brought the Monarchs a bit closer, scoring his first ECHL goal at 7:25. Donahoe fired a slap shot from the right point that hit a few bodies and found its way into the back of Simpson’s net.
Adirondack would add an empty-net goal by Gunnar Hughes, his sixth of the season, at 19:51 of the game.
The Monarchs are back on the ice Friday, Jan. 8 (7:05 p.m.), when they visit the Elmira Jackals for the fourth meeting of the season.
Notes
- Maxim Kitsyn’s goal was the 55th of his professional career and marked his 100th professional point
- Robbie Donahoe played in his first game since Nov. 8 at Brampton
- Matt MacKenzie was given a game misconduct penalty at 12:28 in the second period
