The Lake Erie Monsters climbed out of a one-goal deficit by scoring twice in the second period on Friday, but the Oklahoma City Barons tied the game late in the third period and eventually claimed a 3-2 overtime victory at Quicken Loans Arena in front of 10,608 fans.

Despite the loss the Monsters (10-9-2-2) obtained a point, however their overtime record dropped to 0-2 on the season.

Oklahoma City picked up its third consecutive win and improved to 13-6-1-1 overall.

The Barons jumped out to a 1-0 lead just 6:47 into the contest when Liam Reddox notched a shorthanded tally. His goal came as his 11th of the season and was assisted by Ben Ondrus. The shorthanded marker came as Oklahoma City’s fifth of the season.

The opening period ended with the Barons ahead by a goal, despite the Monsters outshot them by a 10-7 count.

In the middle frame, Lake Erie evened the score at one goal apiece when Luke Walker scored his third of the season. After Justin Mercier missed on a breakaway chance, Walker gathered the loose pick and scored on a wraparound at 6:01. Walker was assisted by Cameron Gaunce and Mercier.

At 14:38 of the period, Mark Olver scored a power play goal to put the Monsters up 2-1. Olver’s tally came as his team-leading eighth goal of the season, as well as his team-leading third power play mark of the campaign. He has recorded five points (3G, 2A) in his last five games. Kevin Montgomery also assisted for his fifth helper in as many outings, while Mercier notched another assist for his second multi-point outing of the season.

Lake Erie outshot the Barons again in the second period, 13-12, and finished the frame up 2-1. Trailing by a goal in the third period, Oklahoma City’s Colin McDonald scored off an assist from Reddox at the 15:15 mark.

The game remained deadlocked at 2-2 for the remainder of regulation, forcing a five-minute overtime session.

In overtime, McDonald struck again when his wrist shot from the right circle lifted the Barons to a 3-2 win. McDonald’s goal came 3:01 into the extra session, assisted by Alex Plante.

Goaltender John Grahame posted 33 saves on 36 shots in his first game with the Monsters since October 24th. Grahame was recalled by the Colorado Avalanche on October 27th and returned to Lake Erie on November 18th, but did not appear in a game during his time with the parent club.

At the other end, Oklahoma City’s Jeff Deslauriers turned aside 25 of 27 shots faced. The Monsters will host the Barons for a 1 p.m. rematch on Saturday. Lake Erie is now 0-2-1-0 against Oklahoma City this season.

Three Stars: 1. OKC McDonald (2 goals); 2. OKC Plante (1 assist); 3.OKC Deslauriers (25 saves)

David Quinn Postgame Interview

Mark Olver Postgame Interview