Marlies Win 4-2 Over Chicago

It’s good to see a new team in town. After all the Hamilton, Rochester, St. Johns, and other repetative matchups, its always nice to shake things up, and see what play styles you may have to compete against in the playoffs. With the next five home games coming against opponents who haven’t played in Toronto this year, that’s exactly what the Marlies appear to be doing for the next couple of weeks. That said, there’s still standings implications. Take this game – the Chicago Wolves trailed them by just one point going into the opening faceoff. The Marlies hoped to make that number three, and di just that, winning 4-2.

The first period went by quickly, with little in regards to penalties and even shot action. Chicago controlled the pace, until Guillaume Desbiens took the team’s second penalty of the game. On the ensuing powerplay, Mike Zigomanis scored his 4th goal of the year, giving the Marlies the lead. He also was thefirst Toronto player in the box, taking a penalty just two minutes later that spilled over into the second period, with no negative result.

In said second period, the Marlies extended their lead with another powerplay goal, this one coming from Joe Colborne. The two goal advantage didn’t last very long though – former brief Leaf Bill Sweatt pressed the gap back to one just fourty five seconds later. With sixminutes left in the period, Jesse Blacker scored his second of the year to bring the score to 3-1.

The third period saw Chicago begin to close back in, pouring on shots whenever possible. Andrew Gordon had one of his go in at the five minute mark, which left the result in doubt, but with an empty Wolves net, Carter Ashton sealed the deal in the closing seconds .

Jussi Rynnas had an exceptionally strong first period. He wasn’t as bright for the rest of the game, but stills topped 24 of 26 shots. An overall solid night for him, as he improves to 8-7-1.

Jake Gardiner needed a big game, and got one – two assists and a +1.

Joe Colborne has 15 points in his last 12 games, including a goal and an assist tonight.

Will Acton lead the team with three shots.

The powerplay was a strong 2/4, and penalty kill a relatively untested 2/2.

The Marlies next game is tomorrow at 3PM against Texas.