Gaunce saw his first action of the Calder Cup Playoffs in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals
The game of hockey can be a frustrating one. Teams can do everything to try and keep players healthy but still get bitten by the injury bug at unfortunate times.
The Cleveland Monsters encountered this a couple months ago - losing forward Brendan Gaunce to an injury April 11 while he was on recall to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Having just returned to the lineup in Game 2 this past Saturday, Gaunce missed almost two months of action, including the first three rounds of the Calder Cup Playoffs (although the Monsters had a first-round bye).
While the Monsters were able to keep the ship steady while he was gone, their captain is a welcomed addition back into their lineup.
A veteran of 369 AHL games, Gaunce adds a calming presence to the team. Although they lost Game 2 against Hershey, it was on full display.
Take this example of the Monsters late tying goal. Receiving the puck from his teammate, Gaunce drives into open space on the perimeter surveying his options. Knowing there isn't anything through the slot, Gaunce recognizes Jiricek in open space ready for the shot and tees him up for the goal.
While it may not always be noticeable on the ice, Gaunce makes plays that put his team in positions to succeed. As the Monsters try to dig themselves out of 2-0 series deficit, look to Gaunce to be a leading driver if they are able to do so.
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