The Cleveland Monsters are heading to the playoffs. With a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory over the Rochester Americans, Cleveland has officially clinched a berth in the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs.

The hero was rookie forward Jake Neighbours, who fired a one-timer from the left circle at 3:47 of overtime to send the sellout crowd into a frenzy. It was Neighbours' 24th goal of the season.

A Rollercoaster Night

The Monsters jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals by David Jiricek and Trey Fix-Wolansky. But Rochester stormed back with three unanswered goals in the second.

Captain Adam Sykora tied it with a power-play goal at 12:34 of the third period, setting the stage for overtime heroics.

Goaltender Pavel Cajan was outstanding, making 38 saves including several spectacular stops to keep Cleveland alive.