Tonights game got me thinking about something. It was kind of cool seeing two AHL affiliates facing off against each other at the same time as their parent clubs. This is something that the Leafs and Habs try to do, matching up their games to a Marlies and Bulldogs showdown on the same day. I wonder why we don’t see this more often? The few times a year that it occurs adds a bit of intrigue to both games. Especially if you could time them right – say, 3PM for the AHL game, 7PM for the NHL. But that’s besides the point, and just a train of thought I had while watching the game.
What’s more important? The game itself, a battle of the first and second placed teams in the North Division. A Marlies win would further seperate the gap, necessary due to the games in hand the team has. Rochester winning would put them within striking distance with three less games played. So, white not quite in “must win” territory, this was still a big game for the Marlies. While it wasn’t in the most standings-friendly way, Toronto took advantage and made the best of it, winning 2-1 in Overtime.
The game started with a first period that was typical of these two teams when they face each other, in the sense that nothing of significance happened whatsoever. Jesse Blacker and Mike Zigomanis both went to the box for hooks, along with the Marlies getting a powerplay attempt of their own (which lasted a whopping 50 seconds thanks to the penalty) courtesty of a boarding call against Jonathan Parker. Nothing came out of any of that, and the teams combined for just 15 shots in the first period.
The normally middle frame was more entertaining. Matt Caruana opened up the scoring for Toronto five minutes into the period, finishing off a fantastic play sparkplugged by Simon Gysbers, and further set up by Zigomanis. Normally, this is the part where I’d say “the game was completely stale until another goal happened”, but Kyle Neuber snapped out of his contributing forward mode he’s had recently and fought Joe Finley, a rivalry that would continue thoughout the game without penalties, but plenty of shoving. In the one actual scrap, Finley would have the edge. Back to the game, Greg Scott headed to the box for a trip, and on that penalty kill, Travis Turnbull striked to tie the game for Rochester.
The third period was controlled by the Marlies, who took 18 shots, many of them of goal-caliber quality. David Leggio, who ended the game with 39 saves, stole the show all game, but particularly in the final frame of regulation. The only significant additions to the stat sheet were courtesy of Korbinian Holzer and Marcus Foligno, who each got minor penalties for interference.
Overtime started with more Marlies momentum, but not in an overpowering way. They needed something to tim them over the edge, and Marcus Foligno gave it to them, in the form of his second penalty box visit of the night, this time for tripping. With their third powerplay opportunity of the night, Toronto would make no mistake. Nicolas Deschamps found Mike Zigomanis, who gave Matt Frattin room to score a typical Frattin goal to win the game (read: a pure snipe).
Game’s over right? Nope. Well, yes, but there’s a few seconds left to talk about. Foligno wasn’t pleased with being the man in the box for that powerplay goal, and as such took out his emotions after the game was done, with a nasty slash that earned him a 10 minute misconduct and no doubt at least a consideration of suspension by the league. This caused a lot of pushing and shoving. Neuber and Finley were considering a round 2, but that didn’t happen. Of all people, Joe Colborne was the one who took action, fighting T.J. Brennan. The refs broke it up and held back a very unamused Colborne, giving this contest its conclusion.
Other Notes
I really want to know what had Colborne so riled up. The cameras didn’t really show much after the game, and it’s not really like him to snap like that. Other than that, he had a relatively uneventful game.
Greg Scott, Matt Frattin, and Mike Zigomanis all took 5 shots. Even crazier, Philippe Dupuis took 6. He still doesn’t have a point in the Leafs organzation.
Nicolas Deschamps had a solid night – the assist going with a +1 and a couple of solid scoring chances.
Ben Scrivens looked fantastic for the first time in a while – while he wasn’t the best goalie on the ice last night (whoever decided he was first star deserves a blank stare), that’s like finishing second in a 1-on-1 for fastest man alive. The goaltenders controlled last nights game, and Big Ben did a great job on his end.
The penalty kill was a decent 3 for 4, the powerplay a very good 1 for 3. It’s been a while since both parts of the special teams were bad on the same night – you usually see 1 good, 1 bad, or both good. Lets hope it stays that way.
Toronto now has a 7 point lead over Rochester for first in the division. Granted, that’s with three games in hand, but it’s still solid.
The Marlies play tomorrow in Hamilton, and are off until Saturday’s Steeltown Showdown afterwards. Probable preview in the morning, if not, post game right after the game, AKA, not as late as this one was.
