Category: Game Day

I’m pretty sure you’ve figured out by now what I think about the Rochester Americans. Mostly, that the Marlies play them way too often, and that David Leggio is some sort of puck stopping wizard when he sees blue and white. However, with these two games this weekend being the conclusion of the season series, a different perspective is taken. Rather than dreading having to face the team again, the attitude changes to reflection, and other teams ahead to close out the year. That said, it doesn’t solve the whole Leggio problem. You know who was able to, though? The Toronto Marlies, who rolled in to play the first two games of a three game weekend, and so far, are 1 for 1, notching a 5-4 overtime victory.

The first period started with some immediate concern. Paul Szczechura was quick to make a first impression in this game, and at merely the 52 second mark, put his 18th of the year past Ben Scrivens. The lead didn’t last very long though – by the nine minute Mark, Will Acton took a feed from Nicolas Deschamps, took an uncharacteristic wrist shot from just past the blue line, which went passed a surprised David Leggio to tie the game. The teams exchanged powerplays before the period would close, but nothing would come of the opportunities.

The second period saw a repeat of the first, in the sense that Rochester was first to strike, this time at the five minute mark. It was a lead that lasted even less time than the last, as Nazem Kadri took advantage of the team’s second powerplay of the game to score his 14th goal of the season. However, not to be outdone, the Amerks had a powerplay goal of their own five minutes later, ending the goal scoring for the period. But that wasn’t it for the action – Jesse Blacker found himself in a fight less than a minute after the goal, and held his own rather well.

The third period was one that was crucial for the Marlies to come out strong – after all, they had been outshot 26-12 at this point. Thankfully for them, that’s exactly what they did. Greg Scott was first to strike three minutes in, with his 19th of the year tying the game at three. Powerplays and penalty kills came and went, but with four minutes to go in the game, it was Nazem Kadri who scored his second of the night, finally giving the team their first lead. However, shortly after David Leggio headed to the bench, Szczechura came back for an encore, tying the game with a minute to go. The clock winded itself down, and the fans at Blue Cross Arena had overtime to watch.

Unfortunately for the fans, but fortunately for the Marlies, it ended with the team in blue celebrating. With just six seconds left in the bonus frame, Mke Zigomanis scored his 19th, popping Leggio’s water bottle off the net, and moving the Marlies closer to clinching a playoff spot.

Other Notes

Ben Scrivens was between the pipes today. Statistically, 33 saves on 37 shots isn’t brilliant, but he made quite a few solid saves. Not the recent Scrivens we’re used to by any means, but it got the job done.

Nazem Kadri had another two goal night tonight, drew a bunch of penalties, and really took David Leggio off his game towards the end. He also lead the team with six shots. A big game for him.

Juraj Mikus quietly put up a pair of assists and a +2. A very good game for him.

Mike Zigomanis now has 60 points on the season, adding onto an already fantastic career year.

Mark Owuya was called up to back up Scrivens. Not a shock to anyone, I’m sure, but its worth noting just in case.

The Marlies now have 85 points on the year, stretching their divisional lead to 9, and now need just 7 more points to clinch a playoff spot in an absolute worst case scenario.

The team will be in Rochester again tomorrow, facing the Americans at 7:30PM. AHL Live will have your fix, or you can keep up to date here at MarliesHQ.