The Toronto Marlies have advanced to the American Hockey League's North Division final after a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Laval Rocket on Saturday afternoon. Vinni Lettieri scored the winning goal with 9:38 remaining in regulation to clinch the best-of-five series 3-2.
Comeback Victory in Decisive Game
Toronto, which finished fourth in the North Division during the regular season, rallied from deficits of 1-0 and 2-1 at Place Bell against the division-leading Rocket. The Marlies now face the Cleveland Monsters, affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets, in a best-of-five North Division final starting Thursday in Cleveland.
Key Plays and Performances
Midway through the third period, with the teams playing 4-on-4, Toronto won an offensive-zone faceoff and Lettieri beat Rocket goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen for his fifth goal of the playoffs. Reese Johnson tied the game earlier in the period at 4:57 with his first career playoff goal. Defenceman Blake Smith, a lineup newcomer, scored in his first playoff appearance as a Marlie.
Owen Beck netted both goals for Laval, which had not lost in regulation all season when leading before the third period, boasting a record of 28-0-1-3 entering the game.
Goaltending and Coaching Decisions
Marlies coach John Gruden and his staff opted to return to goaltender Artur Akhtyamov after he allowed three goals in two periods during Game 4 in Toronto. Akhtyamov made 20 saves for the victory, while Kahkonen stopped 16 shots.
Organizational Outlook
The series win caps a positive week for the Marlies organization, which recently welcomed senior executive advisor Mats Sundin and general manager John Chayka. Both have emphasized the team's depth of viable prospects, and the playoff run provides additional development opportunities for players such as Easton Cowan, Jacob Quillan, defenceman William Villeneuve, Akhtyamov, and Dennis Hildeby.
The Marlies will look to carry their momentum into the North Division final against Cleveland as they continue their pursuit of the Calder Cup.
