Chicago Wolves forward Viktor Neuchev scored in overtime to defeat the Toronto Marlies in Game 4 of the Calder Cup Finals, staving off elimination. Toronto holds a 3-1 series lead, and will host Game 5 on Friday.

Neuchev recorded his second goal of the playoffs at 3:18 of the overtime period. Marlies defenceman William Villeneuve committed a costly turnover, which Neuchev pounced on quickly for the game-winning goal. Villeneuve took accountability for the play, post-game.

“It’s unfortunate that I let my team down tonight, and have to focus on tomorrow night,” Villeneuve said.

Chicago’s Bradly Nadeau opened the scoring 28 seconds into the contest, on the first shot of the game. Toronto rallied quickly, as Jacob Quillan put the Marlies on the board, jamming home a rebound from Vinni Lettieri on the power play. It was Quillan’s second goal of the playoffs. Toronto took a 2-1 lead into the second intermission, as Luke Haymes jammed home his fourth goal of the playoffs. Haymes picked up his own rebound, after Alex Nylander set him up off the rush.

Holding onto a 2-1 lead, Toronto killed off a 48 second 5-on-3, where Michael Pezzetta almost scored on a spectacular individual rush. Ryan Tverberg scored Toronto’s third goal, after Dakota Mermis delivered a picturesque, cutting pass through the neutral zone. Tverberg raced in alone on a breakaway, scoring with two minutes and one second remaining in the second frame.

Chicago fought back valiantly in the third period. Domenick Fensore cut Toronto’s lead to 3-2, whipping a shot through a screen. Chicago’s Justin Robidas added a game-tying goal a minute later, neatly tucking a wraparound past Marlies goaltender Artur Akhtyamov.

Akhtyamov was tremendous once again, making 22 saves in the losing effort. Akhtyamov will start Game 5, Marlies head coach John Gruden confirmed post-game.

“He’s been outstanding for us,” Gruden said of Akhtyamov. “We’re not here to point fingers. We move on. Be better tomorrow for him in front of them, making sure we clear out and they don’t get those second chances like they did. But he’s been outstanding.”

“Artie’s been the best goalie in the playoffs, and I expect him to be great again tomorrow night.”