Coach calls latest Monsters loss ‘embarrassing’ THE SCORE

Only two games remain for the Monsters this season, and then they can seal the story of it in a time capsule, throw it down a bottomless well and never view it again.

The misery of 2017-18 was extended on April 12 when the Monsters were trampled by the Manitoba Moose, 4-0, at Quicken Loans Arena before a crowd of 6,412. As was the case for most of the 73 games that preceded it, the Monsters’ goalie got little support around his net.

Jeff Zatkoff was victimized MOOSE 4, MONSTERS 0

for two goals in the first period, one in the second and one more in the third. All four were scored within five feet of the crease.

By losing Game 74 with only a rematch with Manitoba on April 13 at The Q and a game in Grand Rapids a night later, the Monsters, 24-40-7-3, need to win both to avoid their worst season in 11 years in Cleveland (26-41-6-7 in 2007-08). They never won three games in a row this season and won two straight only four times.

Coach John Madden after a 4-3 loss to San Antonio on April 8 said it was the worst game his team played all season.

“I apologize for that — this one was,” Madden said. “I don’t want to speculate, but guys are thinking, ‘There are only a couple games left. We’re not making the playoffs. What’s there to play for?’ I guess.

“I don’t know. It’s kind of embarrassing. We weren’t interested in playing hockey again. We weren’t there mentally or physically.”

The Monsters had only 13 shots on goal, and none of them really tested Moose goalie Michael Hutchinson. Meanwhile, Madden defended Zatkoff, who had to work hard to stop 31 of 35 Manitoba shots.

“He didn’t get any help — none whatsoever,” Madden said. “It’s a shame. Your goalie battles for you. He has to play. He has to stop pucks and we don’t do anything in front of him.

“I don’t remember us getting any scoring chances. When you don’t get any scoring chances, it comes down to your will and your compete. We didn’t play a price in front of the net. We didn’t win any foot races. We didn’t win any battles. We couldn’t execute. Some guys have turned it off.”