Marlies Win in OT over Hamilton
9 years ago
After down-and-up opening weekend, the Toronto Marlies had their first road game of the season. It wasn’t much of a trip, though; rather an hour drive across the QEW to take on the Hamilton Bulldogs, a team that they’ll face eleven more times in the regular season. It’s a good thing they’re so close, though, seeing as the Marlies have games tomorrow and Sunday as well. If you’re going to be tired, you may as well be less tired. In any event, tonight was a good start to the weekend; Toronto walked away with a 3-2 overtime win.
The Rundown
While Toronto was able to kill a penalty to Trevor Smith early into the opening period, it didn’t take them long to give up a goal. Six minutes in, Michael Bournival scored the game’s first goal, which happened to be his own first of the year. It was the only goal of a neutral zone dominated period.
Toronto tied things up early in the second period. Taking advantage of a pass from Spencer Abbott, Patrick Watling buried one of his three shots on the night, giving him his first AHL goal. Hamilton were quick to strike back, though, as Sven Andrighetto made Petter Granberg pay for his hooking penalty, scoring his first of the year on the powerplay.
Josh Leivo, who many are hoping tops his total of 23 goals last season, scored his first early in the third period, thanks to a setup from Trevor Smith. From then on, the two teams exchanged chances, but nobody could set themselves apart, leading to overtime. A massive save from Antoine Bibeau kept the game going long enough to bring it to three-on-three, and with a minute and a half to go before a potential shootout, Spencer Abbott raced down the ice and tucked home the game winner.
Blue Warrior
Gotta go with the game winner, no? Spencer Abbott had points on two of the three goals and wasn’t on for any of the ones against the Blue and White. He’s probably the best forward on this team, and he showed just why tonight.
Notes
- Antoine Bibeau made 29 saves on 31 shots, including five saves in overtime. A good second outing for him; it looks like he’ll be the starter until he gives them reason to not play him.
- Colton Orr’s debut saw him get no points, involved him being on the ice for no goals for or against, and had him taking zero shots on goal.
- Three on three overtime is basically the best thing in the world. We need more of this.
- Petri Kontiola lead the team with five shots on goal.
- Sam Carrick made a stellar defensive play in overtime, breaking up a two on one that looked like a sure thing. Without it, there’s no Abbott goal.
- I’m really sorry that this recap isn’t better, but the header image is a screencap of what my stream looked like the entire game. It was hard to follow just about anything. Thankfully, the next two games will be seen by my eyeballs; the Marlies take on Rochester tomorrow afternoon at Ricoh Coliseum.
Photo courtesy of the year 1931
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