In the 32,875,134th matchup between the two teams this season, the Toronto Marlies were looking to change the tide of their season series with the Lake Erie Monsters. The key to doing so would be to take control of the game early and show no remorse. Apparently, despite the fact the last in the north Monsters had control of the season series to date, the Marlies heard this message loud and clear.
It took about two minutes for the Marlies to take their first shot. Thankfully, it was a good one. Matt Frattin, courtesy a setup by Will Acton, found the back of the net to give the team an early lead. Within seconds, Greg Scott would find his way into the penalty box. Was that a problem? Absolutely not. Ryan Hamilton found Mike Zigomanis who just 20 seconds later, gave the Marlies an insurance marker. The penalty kill wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, though, as Brad Malone brought the Monsters within one. The period simmered down for a little while at this point, but Toronto wasn’t finished. With four minutes to go, Joe Colborne showed some life and scored his 14th goal of the season. Obviously not a fan of two goal leads, Adrian Foster responded with a goal of his own just 39 seconds later. As if the period needed any more excitement, Frattin scored his second of the night just a minute later (which resulted in a goaltending change for the Monsters) and to close things off, Jerry D’Amigo scored his 10th of the year, the Marlies’ second shorthanded tally of the night.
The second period was nowhere near as interesting. Kyle Neuber fought Scott Langdon, and pulled a Darcy Tucker by getting a few swings in with Langdon’s helmet. The third was a chippy one, as you’d expect from two teams that clearly didn’t like each other. Before most of the crazy, though, we saw a Will Acton goal, which was a rarity in the past but has become more frequent as of late. Back to the crazy, though. There were three notable events. First, a fight between Acton and former Marlies defenceman Mike Brennan. Can’t say this went in Will’s favour. Secondly, Patrick Bordeleau and Kelsey Wilson had an urge to drop the gloves. It didn’t happen, though – the referees broke it up. Both got misconducts for trying to make it happen after. Third and finally, Hugh Jessiman found it to be a smart idea to start sucker punching Korbinian Holzer towards the end of the game. The refs broke it up before Holzer could get a swing, but his response was pointless – a point to the scoreboard, which stayed at 6-2 as the final buzzer sounded.
Priceless. (s/o to hoobadoo on Tumblr for the gifs)
Other Notes
Ben Scrivens looked really good after a pair of goals allowed in the first period. I mean, 22 saves in 24 shots isn’t particularly mind blowing, but it was more than enough to get the job done.
Joe Colborne continuing to start to show signs of life for the first time in a while. If it lasts, it would be great to see some vintage Joe. And by vintage Joe, I mean 2 months ago Joe, though it feels like forever.
Will Acton with the Gordie Howe hat trick tonight. Considering that was his third pro goal and first pro fight, I don’t think anyone was expecting this.
Nicolas Deschamps has 7 points in his last 6. I’m liking this trade more and more by the hour, let alone day.
The powerplay was 0/4, and the penalty kill 2/3. Not their best night statistically, but when you win 6-2 and 2 of your goals are shorthanded, those numbers really don’t matter.
The next game is tomorrow against the Hamilton Bulldogs. Basically, they’re the same Hamilton Bulldogs the Marlies faced last week. There is absolutely no point boring you with the same information, so just check out the game tomorrow night or look for my tweets, as always.
