The Marlies Are More Than Just the Team Down the Road
I like watching the Toronto Marlies early in the season. You aren't just watching an AHL hockey game. You are also getting a little look down the road at the Maple Leafs. That doesn't mean every Marlie is going to become an NHL player. Far from it. But the Marlies are where the Maple Leafs get to find out what they have, what they might need, and which young players are getting close to being ready.
That made Saturday's 5-3 win over the Hamilton Hammers particularly interesting.
A Much Better Night for the Marlies.
After losing 3-1 in Rochester on Friday, the Marlies came out much better. They built a 5-0 lead and, even after Hamilton scored three times, they didn't simply sit back and try to survive. In fact, Toronto was outshot 11-7 in the third period, but they kept working hard.
There was still plenty of chippiness, and 13 minor penalties made for a stop-and-start game. This is the first of 10 meetings between these teams this season, so I'm guessing the rivalry won't take long to develop.
The Marlies have a fairly familiar-looking group from last season, with Henry Thrun and Alex Nylander among the significant departures and Brendan Brisson and Cole McWard coming in. Henrik Rybinski is another new addition. After last season's regular-season struggles and playoff run, I think this group could contend in the North Division.
Related: Gretzky Weighs in on the Maple Leafs: What's He Thinking?
And Then There Is Ben Danford.
For me, the most interesting part of watching the Marlies this season will be seeing how quickly some of these players push their way toward Toronto. Ben Danford is at the top of that list.
Danford didn't join the Marlies until last season’s playoffs, but he and Marshall Rifai formed a strong pairing and are now the team's top pair. I wouldn't be surprised if Danford eventually gives the Maple Leafs something to think about on their third defence pair.
I like Troy Stecher and think he's played well since arriving in Toronto. This isn't about replacing a player who isn't doing his job. It's about wondering whether Danford might eventually be good enough to make the decision for the Maple Leafs. For now, though, keeping Danford in the AHL may be the right move. He can play big minutes, continue developing, and gain experience rather than sitting in the NHL press box or playing limited minutes.
That's the bridge between the two teams.
Brisson, Shaw and Another Familiar Face From the Past.
Brendan Brisson had two goals and an assist, while Logan Shaw had a goal and two assists. They were playing on the top line with Vinny Lettieri, and that's exactly the kind of performance the Marlies need from players who want to be noticed.
And then there was Pierre Engvall. Seeing him score for Hamilton was one of those hockey moments that makes you stop for a second. Engvall missed all of last season after ankle and hip surgery and has now found himself trying to get his career back on track.
Hockey has a funny way of reminding us that the road between the Marlies and the Maple Leafs isn't always one-way. Sometimes players are coming up. Sometimes they're trying to get back. And sometimes, as with Danford, we're simply watching to see when the player and the opportunity finally meet.