The Toronto Marlies will visit the Cleveland Monsters at Rocket Arena on February 20, 2026, for a pivotal matchup between two closely ranked teams. This Cleveland Monsters game preview highlights essential players and recent performances as both clubs seek to improve their standings in the AHL season.
Recent Form and Season Records of Both Teams
The Toronto Marlies enter the game holding a 24-17-4-3 record with 55 points, coming off a narrow 3-2 loss to the Hershey Bears. Over their last five outings, Toronto has won twice and lost three times, averaging three goals scored per game and conceding 2.8. Notably, the Marlies have a 2-0-0-2 record against the Cleveland Monsters this season.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Monsters hold a marginally better record at 25-16-6-1, totaling 57 points. The Monsters also faced defeat in their most recent game, falling 3-2 to the Grand Rapids Griffins. In their previous five matches, Cleveland’s results consist of two wins, two losses, and one overtime loss, with an average of 3.2 goals scored and 3.4 allowed per game. Against Toronto this season, Cleveland stands at 2-2-0-0.
Projected Player Lineups for the Game
The Toronto Marlies are expected to line up with the forward groups of Groulx, Shaw, and Tverberg; Nylander, Quillan, and Valis; Pare, Haymes, and King; and Pezzetta, Johnstone, and Johnson. The defense pairs include Rifai with Mermis, Smith with Sharpe, and Webber with Chadwick, while Akhtyamov is the goaltender and Hildeby the backup netminder.
For Cleveland, the forward lines are projected as Ashton, Reese, and Del Bel Belluz; Belluz, McKown; Pinelli, Guance, and Pyyhtia; Ahcan, Sillinger, and Dumais; along with Pearson, Williams, and Fasching. On defense, Richard pairs with Mayo, MacDonald with Ceulemans, and Svozil with Marrelli. Goaltenders Fedotov and Sawchenko round out the roster.
Key Players to Monitor During the Matchup
Among the Toronto Marlies, Logan Shaw stands out as a leader in points and goals, with 34 points including 16 goals this season. Vinni Lettieri tops the team in assists, contributing 23, while Cade Webber leads in plus/minus with a +12, signaling strong two-way play.
For the Cleveland Monsters, Luca Del Bel Belluz commands attention as the top scorer, accumulating 40 points with 13 goals and 27 assists. Jack Williams is Cleveland’s leader in plus/minus rating, holding a +9, reflecting his impact on the ice both offensively and defensively.
Upcoming Rematch Scheduled for February 21
Following this contest, the teams will face each other again on February 21, with Toronto traveling back to Cleveland for the next game. This back-to-back series will be critical for both teams as they continue to jockey for positioning in the playoff race.
