Playing their second-to-last road game of the season, the Lake Erie Monsters made quite a game of it on Friday.  The Monsters had a three-goal shutout going at the beginning of the third period in Milwaukee, but then gave up two Admirals goals in the final frame.  Lake Erie goalie Tyler Weiman and his defense were able to hold on for the final five minutes of regulation, escaping Milwaukee with a 3-2 win.

The Monsters, in sixth place in the North Division, played well enough to defeat the Admirals, who were the first team in the AHL to clinch a division title (West).  Lake Erie was very successful against Milwaukee this year, finishing the season series on Friday going 3-0-1.  That is also the teams' overall franchise series record, as the two did not meet in Lake Erie's inaugural season last year.

Phil Dupuis got the scoring started quickly for the visiting Monsters.  His goal at the 5:10 mark of the first period was his team-leading (tied with Chris Durno) 17th of the year.  He also now leads the Monsters with 44 points, and has posted 11 points (3G, 8A) in the last 12 games. Matt Hendricks and Aaron MacKenzie were credited with the assists.  Hendricks has recorded three points (1G, 2A) in his last four games with Lake Erie.

The remainder of the first frame would pass without the score changing, but Lake Erie wasted no time getting back on the board to start the second. 

Per Ledin scored just 1:10 into the second period, assisted by Mike McLean and Nigel Williams.  McLean has four points (2G, 2A) in the past five games.

Lake Erie would add an insurance goal before the close of the second.  Brandon Biggers, playing in just his second game with the team, scored at 18:37, sending the Monsters into the second intermission with a 3-0 lead.  Brian Marshall and Mark McCutcheon picked up the assists on the goal.

The Admirals were ready to attack coming out of the gates in the third period, as Cody Franson lit the lamp for Milwaukee only 1:34 into the final frame, unassisted.

MIlwaukee would get to within one goal with five minutes left to go after a shorthanded score by Andreas Thuresson.  James Sixsmith assisted on the play.

The Admirals offense was firing in the third period, rattling off 13 shots, by far the most in a period all game.  Fortunately for the Monsters, Weiman and the defense were able to keep Milwaukee at bay the final five minutes of the game, edging out the 3-2 win.

Weiman finished with 23 saves on 25 shots.  MIlwaukee's Drew MacIntyre had 19 saves on 22 shots. 

The Monsters return home immediately to host the Houston Aeros on Saturday.