Lindberg and Beach (of all people) do a good job on the forecheck. Lindberg checks the Monarch into the boards, takes the puck and, as he's being taken down, gets a pass off to Beach who gets a quick shot off in close, but Jones makes the save.
The Monarchs really do have a lot of talent. The Pack are scrappy, but they don't have enough talent outside of the top line. They've had a significant territorial advantage this period, but every time a Vey or a Weal or a Deslauriers is going the other way, they're dangerous off the rush.
Two nice rushes by the Bourque-Miller-Fast line. On one they tic-tac-toe it into the zone (I think Allen may have started it with the breakout), setting up the trailing McIlrath for a wide-open blast from the high slot, but Jones makes the save. On the second one, Fast checks the Monarch in the neutral zone, separating him from the puck, chips it past another Monarch coming in to support and up to Bourque, who skates in, stops, finds Fast who gets a shot off, but has it blocked by the D.
Eh, after the subsequent faceoff, the Pack look dangerous, but Miller is trying to do too much, gets forced to the blue line and they have to come out of the zone. THAT'S what he has to stop doing.
Lindberg sets up Beach a couple of times on the following shift. One, a snapshot from the boards that Jones saves, another he fumbles right in front and has it taken away. Oof.
Hrivik looking dangerous on the next shift, controlling play in the Monarchs zone, but Manchester keeps everything to the outside and nothing comes of it.
Interesting play to note on defense thereafter. A Monarch tries to go wide on McIlrath, but he stays up, forces him wide and behind the net, transitioning without a problem (this is good to see) and then checks him hard into the board on the opposite side. Good play - of course, he nearly lost his balance delivering the check, but he handled the forward going wide better than he typically has in the past. Hopefully this is a sign of improvement.
Pack will open the third on the PP as Bourque made a great play at the very end of the period to drive at the Monarch defenseman with 2 seconds left, forcing him to take an interference penalty. Syvret picks up the loose puck and gets it to Powe who has a glorious chance go wide (may not have counted anyway, however).
Really good period for the Pack, despite giving up the go-ahead goal. Best players were Fast, Hrivik, Bourque and Lindberg. Miller and McIlrath had their moments as well.