The Manchester Monarchs did all their scoring in a nine-minute span of the first period then dug in defensively for a 4-2 victory last night over the Springfield Falcons.

Patrick Mullen began the offensive barrage with a power-play goal 10:40 into the game and Drew Bagnall doubled the lead just 20 seconds later. Marc-Andre Cliche and Gabe Gauthier scored less than three minutes apart late in the period for a 4-0 lead.

Bryan Lerg and Viacheslav Trukhno potted third-period goals for Springfield (10-8-3-1).

Goalie Jonathan Bernier finished with 29 saves for the Monarchs (14-6-1-2), who remained in first place in the AHL's Atlantic Division.