Monsters defeat Marlies 4-2 in home opener

Owen Sillinger scores go-ahead goal in third period to lead Cleveland to victory

Feb. 21, 2026 at 4:11am

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The Cleveland Monsters opened a five-game homestand with a 4-2 victory over the Toronto Marlies on February 20. Owen Sillinger scored the go-ahead goal in the third period to lift the Monsters to the win.

Why it matters

The Monsters' victory in their home opener is an important start to their homestand as they look to build momentum and climb the standings in the competitive AHL Central Division.

The details

The Marlies took an early 1-0 lead, but Cleveland's Luca Del Bel Belluz tied the game just 17 seconds into the second period. Toronto regained the lead late in the second, but the Monsters responded with three unanswered goals in the third period from Jack Williams, Sillinger, and Zach Aston-Reese to secure the victory. Goaltender Zach Sawchenko made 18 saves for Cleveland.

  • The game was played on February 20, 2026.
  • Luca Del Bel Belluz's game-tying goal came 17 seconds into the second period.
  • Owen Sillinger scored the go-ahead goal for the Monsters with 8:25 remaining in the third period.

The players

Owen Sillinger

Scored the go-ahead goal in the third period to lift the Monsters to victory.

Luca Del Bel Belluz

Scored the game-tying goal for the Monsters in the second period.

Zach Sawchenko

Monsters goaltender who made 18 saves in the win.

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What’s next

The Monsters and Marlies will face off again on February 21 at Rocket Arena.

The takeaway

The Monsters' home opener victory is an encouraging start to their five-game homestand as they look to climb the standings in the AHL Central Division.