The Monsters battled back from a 3-0 deficit after one at Utica, but the Comets had the final say on Justin Dowling’s goal at 19:32 for a 5-4 victory.
Cleveland pulled within 3-2 after two via tallies by Jake Gaudet and Owen Sillinger at 6:54 and 13:26, respectively.
James Malatesta tied it at 3 at 12:42 of the third. Hunter McKown later tied it at 4 for the Monsters at 17:50 before Dowling’s game-winner.
Marcus Bjork logged a pair of helpers.
The Monsters will remain in New York for a road clash with Syracuse at 7 p.m. Jan. 13.
