When this series first started, I was one who didn’t have as much optimism for the Marlies as most did. After all, despite the season series advantage, the games against the Rochester Americans were always very close. As their first round playoff series began, that largely stayed the same. Yes, the Marlies left Ricoh Coliseum up 2-0, but both games were won by the skin of their teeth. So close, in fact, that the teams continued their streak of 12 straight games this year decided by one. So, while it’s odd to have a lack of confidence, from an objective perspective, in a team one game away from ending the series. That was the case tonight, from my eyes. The eyes of the Marlies? Not so much, as the blue and white came in and got the job done, sweeping the Rochester Americans 3-0 with a score that matched the series win total.

The first period started off with the Marlies making a great first impression. Despite not having the most fantastic angle to release the puck, Phil Dupuis let off a wrister that surprised David Leggio and gave Toronto the lead just four minutes into the game. Adding to the momentum, they received two powerplays within the next three and a half minutes, but did nothing with them. But it was enough to get the wheels going on this game. There was a short blip in this when Simon Gysbers went to the box, but even than, the #1 penalty kill showed the Amerks what they had been doing so well all year. The period calmed down from that point on and ended at 1-0.

The second saw a more Rochester controlled play, and a pair of powerplays to each team. None of those were successful, but Toronto’s current folk hero, Jerry D’Amigo, continued his incredible series very early in. Just a minute and thirty seconds into the frame, D’Amigo fired a wrist shot into the top right corner to bring the lead to two, which was carried into the third.

The final frame had something in common with the previous ones, and that was the fact that included a very early Marlies goal. This one came from Nazem Kadri, and it was the highlight of the game. Coming out of the box, Kadri joined the ever so common Scott/D’Amigo shorthanded rush, took in a pass, and dangled his way around Leggio to widen the gap to three. The Amerks pulled the goalie, but it was of no help. Ben Scrivens kept saving, the Marlies kept their composure, and the series ended as the clock hit zero.

Other Notes

Ben Scrivens with the shutout. A huge game when it mattered most, with 29 saves.

Nazem Kadri got the goal that everybody was waiting for, and was it ever nice. Probably the goal of the series. He also took two penalties, so it was an effort that could’ve been better, but still solid nonetheless.

Jerry D’Amigo is proving himself to be a major big game player. Another goal and an assist tonight.

For those curious as to where Carter Ashton was tonight, he suffered a concussion in game two. Marcel Mueller took his place and played solid, getting two shots with a plus two attached.

Alex Biega wasn’t playing for the Amerks, as he was suspended for his hit on Greg Scott. That one game turned out to be the end of his season.

The powerplay went 0 for 5, but looked strong, with some big chances. The penalty kill stood tall at 4 for 4.

This is the first time in 13 attempts this year that these two teams didn’t have their game decided by a single goal.

Speaking of firsts, this is the first sweep for the Marlies in their history, and it makes them the first team in the West to finish their playoff series.

Details on round two as they become available!