Marlies Lose Game 3 to Penguins 5-3, Still Lead Series 2-1
I don’t know how many times over the years I’ve seen a team return home after a successful road trip in the regular season only to lose its first game back. Apparently, the playoffs are no different.
After winning three straight road games — a 3-2 victory over the Cleveland Monsters to clinch the North Division Final, followed by 4-2 and 2-1 wins in Wilkes-Barre to open the Eastern Conference Final — the Toronto Marlies dropped a 5-3 decision to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on home ice.
Game 3 was fast-paced and high-event for both the Marlies and the Penguins.
Much like Game 2, this was a fast-paced, high-event contest. The teams traded goals throughout the first 40 minutes and entered the third period tied 2-2. The turning point came midway through the final frame when the Penguins scored twice in just over two minutes to take a 4-2 lead.
The Marlies made things interesting late. With Artur Akhtyamov on the bench for an extra attacker, Toronto pulled within one goal with 52 seconds remaining. Any hopes of a comeback were short-lived, however, as the Penguins answered with an empty-net goal just 16 seconds later to seal the victory.
Toronto once again received offence from throughout the lineup. Eight different players recorded at least one point, while Luke Haymes was the only Marlie with a multi-point game, contributing a goal and an assist. Vinni Lettieri and Marc Johnstone scored the other Toronto goals.
Once again, Akhtyamov was strong in the Marlies’ crease.
Despite allowing four goals on 33 shots, Akhtyamov turned in another solid performance. At the other end, the Marlies generated a postseason-high 39 shots but were unable to solve Penguins goaltender Sergei Murashov often enough.
The teams will meet again on Wednesday in Toronto, a game Head Coach John Gruden described as a “must-win” in his post-game media availability.
It's easy to understand his reasoning. A second consecutive home loss would erase much of the advantage Toronto gained by opening the series with two wins in Wilkes-Barre and would hand home-ice advantage right back to the Penguins. On the other hand, the AHL's 2-3-2 playoff format means the Marlies could still head back to Pennsylvania with a 3-2 series lead if they win Game 5 at home. Toronto has also been an excellent road team this postseason, posting a 6-3 record away from home.
Easton Cowan remains injured and hasn’t played for two games.
Easton Cowan missed his second straight game with an upper-body injury. Gruden said after the game that he was unsure whether Cowan would be available for Game 4. Getting the young forward back in the lineup would provide a significant boost. His playmaking ability, energy, and knack for scoring timely goals have all been important factors in Toronto's playoff run.
One storyline worth watching is whether Gruden sticks with Akhtyamov or turns to Dennis Hildeby in Game 4. Akhtyamov has been outstanding throughout the postseason, compiling a 9-5 record with a 2.18 goals-against average and a .924 save percentage. However, he has now started 13 consecutive games. Hildeby has also been effective when called upon, posting a 2.17 GAA and a .921 save percentage in three appearances.
Perhaps Hildeby could offer Akhtyamov a rest and play well at the same time.
If the coaching staff believes Akhtyamov could benefit from a night off, Game 4 might be the opportunity to give Hildeby the crease and come back with a rested Akhtyamov for Game 5. My feeling, however, is that unless there are concerns about fatigue, Gruden stays with the hot hand. When you're calling a game "must-win," it's difficult to imagine going away from the goaltender who has carried you this far.