The Toronto Marlies could not replicate their comeback magic from Game 1, falling 3-1 to the Cleveland Monsters on Saturday night in Cleveland. The loss ties the best-of-five North Division final in the American Hockey League's Calder Cup playoffs at 1-1.
Monsters Strike Early
After rallying from a two-goal deficit to win Game 1 on Thursday, the Marlies found themselves in a similar hole early in Game 2. The Monsters scored twice in the first period, with goals from Roman Ahcan and Mikael Pyyhtia, to take a 2-0 lead. Unlike the previous game, Toronto was unable to mount a sustained offensive response.
Groulx Provides Spark
Bo Groulx brought the Marlies within one goal with a shorthanded tally in the second period. However, Cleveland restored their two-goal cushion early in the third period when Luca Pinelli found the back of the net. The Marlies could not close the gap further.
Goaltending and Special Teams
Marlies goaltender Artur Akhtyamov stopped 21 of 24 shots, while Cleveland's Zach Sawchenko made 17 saves. Toronto went 0-for-2 on the power play, while the Monsters failed to score on four opportunities with the man advantage. Zach Aston-Reese, who played for the Maple Leafs in the 2022-23 season, recorded an assist for Cleveland and was named the game's first star.
Series Moves to Toronto
The series now shifts to Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto for Games 3 and 4. Game 3 is scheduled for Wednesday, with Game 4 on Friday. If a decisive Game 5 is needed, it will be played on May 24 back in Cleveland.
