Meanwhile, the Wolf Pack wasted a solid 33-save performance by Matt Zaba, who was recalled from the ECHL Charlotte Checkers before Saturday’s match.

“I thought we played well and worked hard, but we have to find ways to score,” said Wolf Pack center Brodie Dupont. “They definitely have good, moving defensemen and are pretty stable in the back, but we can’t worry about how they play. They’re obviously good in a lot of areas, which is why they’re in first place now. But we’re fighting for a playoff spot, so we have to get back to our game and start winning those games.”

The Monarchs (29-14-2-5) extended their unbeaten streak in regulation to 3-0-0-1 and increased their Atlantic Division lead over the Lowell Devils to four points, as Bernier improved to 22-11-5 with a 1.90 goals-against average and .942 save percentage.

After a scoreless first period, Manchester’s Dwight King passed to John Zeiler, who came out of the left corner and squeezed the puck between Zaba and the right post to put the Monarchs up 1-0. Then, just past the midway point of the final period, Jon Rheault got inside Nigel Williams and deflected Corey Elkins’ centering pass past Zaba to conclude the night’s scoring at the 12:41 mark. Elkins and centerman Tom Cavanaugh picked up helpers on Rheault’s second tally of the season.

The Wolf Pack now hit the road for a four-game road trip commencing Wednesday night in Lowell, then take them down to Norfolk, Va., for a two-game weekend set with the Admirals, before heading back north and taking on the Providence Bruins at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center on Fri., Feb. 12. The Wolf Pack’s next home game will be on Sat., Feb. 13 vs. their in-state archrivals, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Face-off at the XL Center is slated for 7 p.m.