Cleveland Monsters Eye Playoff Push as They Prepare for Crucial Game Against Senators

Cleveland, Ohio – As the Cleveland Monsters gear up for their next pivotal matchup on March 26, 2025, against the Belleville Senators, the team’s focus remains squarely on securing a playoff spot in the competitive North Division of the American Hockey League (AHL). Despite a mixed recent record, including a strong 2-1 win over Belleville on March 23 followed by a tough 6-0 loss to Laval the previous day, the Monsters are determined to regain momentum and continue their pursuit of the Calder Cup playoffs.

The Monsters' Rollercoaster Week

The Cleveland Monsters have had a week full of highs and lows as they continue to battle for a playoff berth. In their most recent game on Sunday, March 23, 2025, the Monsters came away with a 2-1 win over the Belleville Senators. The game was tightly contested, with Jordan Dumais opening the scoring for Cleveland in the first period. Belleville responded with a power-play goal to tie it up, but Trey Fix-Wolansky’s game-winning goal in the third period secured the victory for the Monsters. Goaltender Jet Greaves played a key role, stopping 28 shots to preserve the win.

However, the Monsters couldn’t carry that momentum into their March 22 matchup against the Laval Rocket. Cleveland was shut out 6-0 in a performance that highlighted some areas for improvement, particularly on defense and in finishing offensive opportunities. As they prepare for their next game, the Monsters are looking to bounce back and maintain their position in the standings.

Roster Changes

The Monsters have made several important roster moves in recent days that will affect their playoff push. On March 22, 2025, the Columbus Blue Jackets reassigned goaltender Jet Greaves to Cleveland. Greaves has been a key player for the Monsters this season, boasting a 16-10-6 record with two shutouts in 34 AHL appearances. He also has a 2-2-2 record in six NHL games with the Blue Jackets, so his presence in Cleveland will be invaluable as the Monsters look to finish strong.

Additionally, Cleveland strengthened its defensive corps by acquiring 24-year-old defenseman Will MacKinnon from the Utica Comets in exchange for future considerations. MacKinnon, who has recorded four assists in 42 games this season, will bring much-needed depth to the Monsters’ blue line as they look to tighten up defensively in the final stretch of the regular season.

What to Expect Against the Senators on March 26

The Monsters’ next game, set for March 26, 2025, will see them face off once again against the Belleville Senators, who will be eager to avenge their recent loss to Cleveland. The Senators have been competitive all season but have struggled in recent games, which makes this a crucial matchup for both teams as they battle for playoff positioning. Cleveland will need to be at its best to secure two points and keep pace with the top teams in the North Division.

Head Coach Pascal Vincent will likely emphasize discipline and attention to detail in the defensive zone, as the Monsters were outplayed in Laval just days before. The team will also need to capitalize on scoring opportunities, as converting on the power play and maintaining offensive pressure will be essential for success against a resilient Senators team.

Expect the Monsters to rely heavily on their leadership group, including top scorers like Trey Fix-Wolansky, who has been a major factor in the team’s offensive production this season. The combination of his speed, vision, and ability to finish around the net makes him a constant threat on the ice. Jordan Dumais, another key contributor, will also play an essential role in the offensive game plan. Dumais scored the opening goal in the win over Belleville and will look to build on that momentum.

Goaltender Jet Greaves will also be under the spotlight as he looks to continue his strong form in net. Greaves will need to deliver another standout performance to help Cleveland stay competitive, especially in what is expected to be a tight, hard-fought game.

Playoff Push

With the regular season winding down, every game is critical for the Cleveland Monsters. They currently sit in fourth place in the North Division with a 30-20-5 record, and as the playoff race heats up, the team knows it must finish strong to secure a spot in the Calder Cup playoffs. The North Division is one of the most competitive in the AHL, and Cleveland is locked in a battle with the Belleville Senators, Toronto Marlies, and Laval Rocket for a coveted playoff berth.

The Monsters have shown the ability to compete with some of the league’s top teams, but consistency will be key in the final weeks of the season. The team’s defense must tighten up, and the Monsters will need to find a way to be more potent on offense, especially in games against division rivals like Belleville.

As the Monsters head into their next game against the Senators, the focus will be on bouncing back from their tough loss to Laval and maintaining their place in the playoff hunt. The team will also need to keep an eye on their overall performance, continuing to develop and find ways to improve every aspect of their game.

Looking Ahead

The support from Cleveland Monsters fans continues to be a driving force behind the team’s energy and motivation. Home games at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse are always packed with enthusiastic fans who bring an electric atmosphere that the players truly appreciate. As the Monsters continue their push toward the playoffs, the support of their fans will be more important than ever, and the team will look to continue feeding off that energy.

In addition to the fans in the arena, the Monsters have been engaging with their community through social media and promotional events, keeping their fan base connected and involved as the season enters its final stretch. As playoff hockey draws nearer, the excitement surrounding the team is palpable, and Cleveland fans are eager to see how far their Monsters can go.

As the Cleveland Monsters prepare for their March 26 game against the Belleville Senators, the team finds itself in a critical stretch of the season. With the playoffs on the line, every point is crucial, and the Monsters will need to bring their best effort to the ice. The team’s strong leadership, skilled players, and dedicated fan base will be key to their success.

Fans can expect an intense, high-energy matchup on March 26 as the Monsters look to extend their winning ways and solidify their position in the North Division standings. The next few weeks will be make-or-break for Cleveland, and the team is determined to push through and give themselves a chance to compete for the Calder Cup once again.