Author: Jeff Veillette

While saying that the Marlies had a good shot at this series was far from a ridiculous prediction, nobody could say that they expected tonight’s start. If they did, they were probably criticized for doing so, and deserve much apology. Against the odds and concepts of common sense, the boys in blue and white entered the Cox Convention Center and not only won, but did so in a commanding fashion, with a 5-0 shutout.

The first period saw a powerplay to the Marlies just twenty seconds in. Mark Arcobello, who leads the Barons in scoring, ran Mike Zigomanis into the boards. Zigomanis was slow to get up, but ultimately okay. Nothing came out of the powerplay, and the game progressed. This wasn’t the last you’d hear of the Marlies though, as five and a half minutes into the period, Marcel Mueller scored the opening goal of the series.  After killing two penalties, Toronto had a second powerplay opportunity  at the fourteen minute mark, which Nicolas Deschamps turned into his second goal of the playoffs.

The second saw more opportunity for both teams, with the Marlies ultimately failing on three powerplays. What they didn’t fail to do though, was score. Midway through the frame, Matt Frattin brought back the wrist shot that dominated the second round to widen the gap to three.

Moving on to the third, the Marlies saw no reason to stop. So much so, that a face that used to be so familiar to the score sheet, but disappeared, made an appearance. I’m referring to Joe Colborne, who was so happy to score his first of the playoffs that he kissed his stick in celebration. Furthering the domination, Jake Gardiner went into “carry the team on my back” mode, glided through his competition, faked a wraparound, and instead cut into the crease and tucked home the 5-0 goal.

Other Notes

Ben Scrivens had another mindblowing game. He saw 31 shots, and stopped them all, including 14 in the third period. Some were huge, and while the game was never really in danger, you have to think his play gave the team confidence to keep going throughout.

Nazem Kadri had a pair of assists, putting him over a point per game. The playoff performer hype he earned in junior is definitely transferring here.

If that goal puts Joe Colborne into even a poor mans early-season Joe Colborne, this team is going to be on cruise control. That’s a big if, though. Even with that said, massive night for his confidence.

Matt Frattin looks the opposite of how he did with the Leafs – shots are going in like they’re nothing, rather than posts and missed nets. You want confidence? This guys got boatloads.

The entire Mueller – Dupuis – Deschamps line had two points each. Great effort by them.

Jake Gardiner’s skating ability is just so much better than everyone elses. During his goal, you’d think he parted seas by his presence.

Will Acton couldn’t buy a goal for the life of him tonight. Two breakaways that didn’t lead to anything. Still trying to get on the playoff scoresheet.

The powerplay went 1/7. Started off looking good, then seemed to go through the motions.

The penalty kill was a perfect 6 for 6. They’re pretty much unstoppable at the second.

There’s no way there were 2500 people at this game. I mean, good for Oklahoma for being not Abbotsford, but it was empty.

I don’t see the rest of the series being this easy. But you have to be optimistic moving forward.

Game two is tomorrow at 8PM. Catch it on LeafsTV, AM640, Xbox Live, one of the 300 twitter hashtags, and AHL Live. Just kidding, nobody is paying $40 to watch one series on AHL live. Straight up gouging.

Photo Credit: Darryl Dyck (Canadian Press)

Normally, I use this first paragraph to bring up a comparison, or something I feel about the opponent. Sometimes, I’ll make fun of how many times the two teams have faced each other this year (nine, if you’re curious). Today, though, I’m using this space to apologize for the lack of post games for games 3 and 4. “Nobody’s up this late! I’ll do this tomorrow” gets you too complacent, particularly when you end up busy from the moment you wake up. That said, it works out that the Marlies didn’t have the same laziness heading to BC, winning both of those games, giving them a chance to eliminate the Heat on Wednesday night. And in front of about 14 people, they did just that, winning an overtime thriller to send the team to the Western Conference Finals.

The first period started off in a way that you would think to be a positive – with a powerplay just a minute and a half in. However, logic finds itself a way of working in mysterious ways sometimes. With thirty seconds left on the man advantage, a series of unfortunate events lead to Paul Byron scoring his first goal of the series at the three minute mark, putting the Marlies down 1-0. Ten minutes later, Abbotsford scored again, this time with Krys Kolanos delivering the insurance marker. However, this wasn’t all for the blue and white. Just a minute afterwards, Jake Gardiner scored his long awaited first goal of the playoffs, injecting some hope into the team. Other than a few minor penalties, that would be all for the opening twenty minutes.

The second offered little in terms of scoring, but when it did, it was one that mattered for the Marlies. With exactly two minutes to go in the period, Matt Frattin continued his consistant domination of the Heat, scoring his fifth of the playoffs and tying the game. The two teams exchanged minor penalties in this period, but nothing came out of either attempt.

The third was a quiet one, with the teams exchanging very few chances, with just 13 shots over the entire period from both teams combined.  The Marlies killed a holding penalty midway through the period, acquired by Korbinian Holzer. At the end of three, the game was still tied at two, so the teams were off to overtime. The Marlies came out strong, with Nazem Kadri nearly ending the game just two minutes in, but a big save by Danny Taylor kept things going. Alas, Toronto wasn’t done. At almost the exact same time as Holzer’s penalty in the third, Hugh Jessiman was sent to the box for Abbotsford for two minutes. Of course, he wouldn’t be there that long. Twelve seconds into the powerplay, Mike Zigomanis picked up a loose puck in front of the net and put it in the back of the net, ending the game and sending the Marlies to the next round.

Other Notes

Ben Scrivens had another spectacular game, making 29 saves on 31 shots.

Matt Frattin is further confirming my suspicions that as an Edmonton-born kid, he hates the Flames. 7 goals in 8 games against the Heat? If he’s down here next year, the Marlies should bribe the league to make them the team they face 15000 times for no reason.

Jake Gardiner finally gets his goal. No shock, it was only a matter of time. He’s been a solid offensive weapon for the team all playoffs.

Was Greg Scott yesterday’s hero, today’s non-contributor? This happens frequently, and it definitely did for him tonight. After a hat trick, he was a -1.

Phil Dupuis lead the team with 7 shots.

Nazem Kadri quietly pulled out a two assist night. Looked solid and made some creative passes.

The powerplay was effective when it most mattered, though the shorthanded goal they gave up was a bit sketchy. Speaking of killing penalties – Marlies went 3 for 3 in game 5, which is the same level of perfection that they achieved in every game all season.

Upcoming article tomorrow afternoon recapping the entire series to make up for missing post games in game 3 and 4.