AHL Toronto Marlies

Marlies Weekly

Published on February 17, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Toronto Marlies News Release


COMING THIS WEEK BOX OFFICE REPORT

Wed., Feb. 18 Syracuse Crunch at Toronto Marlies 7:00 pm Ricoh Coliseum TICKETS 416-597-7825

Fri., Feb. 20 Hamilton Bulldogs at Toronto Marlies 7:00 pm Ricoh Coliseum TICKETS 416-597-7825

Sat., Feb. 21 Rochester Americans at Toronto Marlies 4:00 pm Ricoh Coliseum TICKETS 416-597-7825

Sun., Feb. 22 Toronto Marlies at Rochester Americans 6:05 pm Blue Cross Arena TICKETS 585-454-5335

All start times are listed in Eastern Time Marlies home & away games broadcast on THE FAN 590, fan590.com or torontomarlies.com Watch Marlies home games this season LIVE on Rogers TV Cable 10 in Toronto and 63 in Scarborough.

MARLIES HOST THREE DIVISIONAL OPPONENTS THIS WEEK AT RICOH COLISEUM

(Feb. 18): The Marlies host the Syracuse Crunch - AHL affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets - on Wednesday February 18 at 7:00 p.m. at Ricoh Coliseum. This will mark the sixth of eight meetings between the two clubs this season. Toronto beat Syracuse last Wednesday 6-3 in front of a sold out crowd for their second school day game of the season. Boyd Devereaux had two goals in the win, while 14 different Marlies were able to register at least a point.

Derek MacKenzie had a two point night for the Crunch with one goal and one assist. Justin Pogge made 16 saves for his 17th win of the season. The Crunch owns a 3-2-0-0 record against Toronto this season and has outscored them 17-13. The Marlies defeated the Crunch last season in Game Seven of the Semi-Finals, advancing to the Western Conference Finals. Syracuse currently ranks fifth in the North Division with a 26-23-3- 2 record for 57 points through 54 games. The Crunch sits four points behind the Marlies in the division. The Crunch are 12-14-2-2 on the road this season and 4-5-1-0 in their past 10 games overall. Mike York leads all Crunch players with 37 points (eight goals, 29 assists). Jon Mirasty ranks first on the Crunch and second in the AHL with 217 penalty minutes.

Syracuse is the most penalized team in the AHL averaging over 25 minutes in penalties per game. The two teams will meet again on Wednesday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m. at the Oncenter Arena in Syracuse.

(Feb. 20): The Marlies play their eighth of 12 meetings against their provincial-rival, the Hamilton Bulldogs - AHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens - on Friday night at Ricoh Coliseum. The Marlies are 3-3-0-1 against the Bulldogs this season, winning 4-2 in their most recent matchup on January 30 at Ricoh Coliseum. Tim Stapleton had a three-point night (two goals, one assist). Jiri Tlusty and Kyle Rogers also scored for the Marlies; while Justin Pogge made 18 saves for the victory. The Bulldogs currently rank third in the North Division with a 33-20-2-0 record for 68 points through 55 games this season. They own a 17-10-1-0 record on the road. The Bulldogs' 185 goals for ranks first in the Western Marlies forward Jiri Tlusty extended his point streak to seven games on Sunday afternoon with his game-winning goal against the Springfield Falcons.

The Marlies are currently on a fourgame winning streak. Conference and third overall in the AHL. Yannick Weber took part in the 2009 AHL All-Star Classic and was a teammate of Jaime Sifers for PlanetUSA. Kyle Chipchura was chosen in the first round (18th overall) by Montreal in the 2004 Entry Draft. He played alongside Justin Pogge as the captain of the Gold Medal 2006 Canadian World Junior team. Yanick Lehoux currently ranks first on the Bulldogs with 47 points (16 goals, 31 assists). Greg Stewart's 170 penalty minutes is sixth best in the AHL this season and a club-high. The Marlies hold a 25-15-0-3 all-time advantage over their QEW-rival. Toronto and Hamilton meet again on February 28 at Copps Coliseum.

(Feb. 21 & 22): The Marlies play the Rochester Americans in a home-and-home series to close out the week on Saturday afternoon and Sunday evening. Kris Newbury leads the way with six points (two goals, four assists) through two games. The Marlies downed the Americans in their last meeting on November 30, 4-3 in a shootout at Ricoh Coliseum. Jiri Tlusty had a goal and got the shootout gamewinner securing the victory for the Marlies.

Rochester currently ranks seventh in the North Division with a 20-31-0-4 record for 44 points. Michal Repik paces the way for the Amerks with 33 points (13 goals, 20 assists). Toronto native Michael Duco leads the Americans with 114 penalty minutes. Panthers prospect Kenndal McArdle was drafted in the first round (20th overall) by Florida in the 2005 Entry Draft. Shawn Matthias, a Mississauga-native, was originally drafted in the second round (47th overall) by Detroit in the 2006 Entry Draft and has eight goals and six assists in 41 games with Rochester. Matthias helped lead Canada to a 2008 IIHF World Junior Championship Gold Medal, scoring five points in the tournament. Former Vancouver Canucks defenceman Rory Fitzpatrick is the captain of the Amerks.

MARLIES HEADLINES:

We're Going Streaking: The Marlies have four players that are currently on scoring streaks of four or more games. Tim Stapleton and Jiri Tlusty are both on seven-game point streaks that started on January 30 versus Hamilton. Stapleton has recorded 14 points (10 goals, four assists) during the streak. Tlusty has netted 14 points (six goals, eight assists) on his seven-game streak. Darryl Boyce is on a four-game point streak (one goal, four assists) and a four-game assist streak. Bates Battaglia is on a four-game assist streak (six assists).

Home Ice Advantage: The Marlies set a franchise record on Friday, January 30 with their seventh consecutive home victory over the Hamilton Bulldogs, 4-2. Toronto's only lost two home games since December 14, 2008. The Marlies have won their past four straight games at home. The Marlies have out-scored their opponents at Ricoh Coliseum, 59- 35 during a 13-game stretch, and 24-13 in their past four contests. Toronto has average 4.5 goals per game over their past 13 contests. The Marlies hold a 17-8-0-2 advantage at home on the season. The Marlies play three home games this week, finishing their 11-game home stand.

Tim Becoming a Staple: Tim Stapleton has seven goals in the Marlies past four games. He set the Marlies franchise record with four goals in a game on February 8 versus the Grand Rapids Griffins. Stapleton is currently on a sevengame point streak, registering 14 points over that stretch (10 goals, four assists). The American Hockey League named Stapleton the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week for period ending February 1, 2009. The Oak Park, Illinois native ranks first on the Marlies and third (tie) in the AHL with 20 power play assists. Stapleton ranks first in the AHL with seven shootout goals. In 47 games this season, Stapleton has 50 points (16 goals, 34 assists) including three game-winning tallies. Stapleton's 34 assists rank 11th (tie) in the league. Stapleton ranks first on the Marlies in goals, assists and points. He ranks tied for fourth in the AHL with 26 power play points (six goals, 20 assists).

On A Roll: Since November 19, 2008 the Marlies are 23-12-2-3 and have earned at least a point in their past 28 of 40 games (0.700 points percentage). Toronto's won four out of their past seven games decided by a shootout, despite losing their past two. Their home record since November 19 is 13-5-0-0.

Devo Time: Andre Deveaux has recorded six points (three goals, three assists) in his past four games. He notched his second hat-trick of the season on Sunday, February 8 against the Griffins in the Marlies 10-5 win. Two of his three goals came on the power play. Deveaux ranks second on the club with six power play tallies. Deveaux scored his first career AHL hat-trick on October 26, 2008 versus the Houston Aeros. In 18 games with the Marlies this season, he's tallied 14 points (nine goals, five assists).

Jiri Powering Up: Jiri Tlusty has notched three multi-point games in his past four contests. On Saturday, Tlusty scored a goal and added two assists with a plus-three rating. He registered a Marlies season-high, four assists on Sunday, February 8 against Grand Rapids. Tlusty is currently on a seven-game point streak (six goals, eight assists). In 42 games with the Marlies this season, Tlusty has racked up 36 points (13 goals, 23 assists); with 17 of his points coming on the power play. Tlusty ranks second on the team in points and second (tie) in assists.

A Franchise Night: On Sunday, February 8 the Marlies had a franchise game when they defeated the Grand Rapids Griffins 10-5 at Ricoh Coliseum. The 10 goals the Marlies scored was a franchise-high and their five first period tallies was a season-high. Tim Stapleton set a franchise mark with four-goals in the game, three of which came in a span of four minutes and forty seconds. Andre Deveaux also scored a hat-trick in the game, his second of the season. In all, eight different Marlies players registered a multi-point game. Jiri Tlusty had a season-high four assists. The Marlies five power play goals was also an all-time high.

Shooting For The Stars: The Marlies rank in the top-five in the AHL in both shots for and shots against this season. The Marlies average 31.7 shots per game against their opponents (fifth in the AHL) and rank third for shots against with 26.5 per game. The Marlies have greatly out-shot their opponents in the second period, 610-475. Tim Stapleton set a Marlies single-season high with 10 shots on goal on January 31 versus the Rockford IceHogs.

Special Teams:

Power Play: The Marlies power play has scored eight goals over the past four games. Their power play set a franchise record with five goals on Sunday, February 8 versus the Grand Rapids Griffins when they went an impressive 5-for-7 in the game. The Marlies power play has clicked for 37 goals in their past 38 games. The Marlies have registered 10, multi-power play goal games so far this season. Toronto's power play currently ranks fourth in the AHL with a 20.5% success rate. Their power play on the road ranks fifth overall at 20.7%. They've scored at least one power play goal in 17 of 26 road games. Tim Stapleton leads all Marlie skaters with 26 power play points.

Multi-Point Games: Tim Stapleton leads the team with 12 multi-point games this season. Jeremy Williams and Darryl Boyce each notched two-points on Sunday afternoon against the Springfield Falcons. Stapleton has registered three points or more in three games this season.

On The Road: The Marlies finished their season-high, nine-game road trip with a 2-3-2-2 record for eight points on January 23 at Syracuse. They opened their road swing with a 3-2 shootout victory over the Milwaukee Admirals. Justin Pogge and Adam Munro had a combined 2.26 goals-against average and 0.918 save percentage on the road trip. Pogge started six games and Munro three. Maple Leafs prospect Nikolai Kulemin made his AHL debut on Thursday, January 8 in Milwaukee. Bates Battaglia and Alex Foster each scored a shorthanded goal on the trip.

Making Their Debut: The Marlies have dressed 14 new players through their first 53 games this season. Ryan Hollweg suited up for the Marlies on February 14 and made his debut, becoming the 14th new player to dress for the club. Defensemen Richard Petiot, Andy Schneider, Josh Engel, Joey Ryan, Juha Uotila and Josef Boumedienne; forwards Andre Deveaux, Ryan Hamilton, Nikolai Kulemin, Tim Stapleton and Mark Bell have all seen action in at least one game for the Marlies. Newcomer, Tim Stapleton scored the Marlies first goal of the 2008-09 season in the third period of their home opener on October 10 against the Binghamton Senators.

Reading Report: The Toronto Maple Leafs ECHL affiliate, the Reading Royals currently rank seventh in the American Division with a 16-31-2-2 record for 36 points. Tyler Doig ranks second the Royals with 38 points (11 goals, 27 assists). Doig has recorded 22 points in his past 22 games (seven goals, 15 assists). Doig ranks first on the Royals in power play goals (five) and power play assists (14). Dan Rudisuela has 12 goals and 13 assists in 51 games.

Unveiling the Banner: The Marlies opened up the 2008-09 season by unveiling their North Division championship banner from the year before. The Marlies won their division with a 50-21-3-6 record for 109 points, nine more points then next closest Syracuse (100 points). Toronto has 15 players that helped them to their title berth on the opening day roster.

MARLIES QUICK HITS:

- The Marlies currently rank fourth in the North Division with a 27-19-2-5 record for 61 points through 53 games.

- On Wednesday, defenceman Josh Engel made his Marlies debut versus the Syracuse Crunch and registered two penalty minutes. Engel registered his first point (assist) on Saturday versus Grand Rapids.

- Phil Oreskovic tied a Marlies season-high with a plus-four rating on Saturday, February 14 against the Griffins.

- James Reimer was reassigned to the Marlies on Tuesday.

- Ryan Hollweg made his Marlies debut on Saturday afternoon against the Griffins.

- Jeremy Williams was reassigned to the Marlies on Friday, February 13 and scored a goal on Saturday against Grand Rapids. In 21 games with the Marlies, he's collected 17 points (13 goals, four assists) with nine of his goals coming on the power play.

- Joey Ryan registered his first career AHL goal on Wednesday versus Syracuse. Ryan has four points (one goal, three assists) in his past four games.

- Forward Ryan Hamilton has collected three assists in his last four games.

- Justin Pogge is on a three-game winning streak.

- Richard Petiot has recorded five points (one goal, four assists) in his past seven games.

- The Marlies have played the most overtime games so far this season in the AHL with 14. Toronto has three wins in overtime and four shootout victories.

- Darryl Boyce ranks first on the team with 112 penalty minutes and Phil Oreskovic has a team-high, plus-16 rating.

- The Marlies are 20-0-1-1 when taking a lead into the third period this season and are 19-4-1-1 when they record the game's first goal. When Toronto scores three or more goals, they own a record of 27-5-0-1.

Reebok/AHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK NOMINEE

For the week ending February 15, 2009, the Toronto Marlies nominated forward Jiri Tlusty for consideration as the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week. The Slany, CZE native registered back-to-back multi point games this past week on Wednesday and Saturday. In three games this past week Tlusty notched six points (three goals, three assists), including the game-winning goal on Sunday. He is currently on a seven-game point streak (six goals, eight assists) which began on January 30 versus Hamilton.

IN THE BOOTH: The Marlies and Rogers Cable TV announced their 29 game broadcast schedule, which will comprise of Friday, Saturday and Sunday home dates. The television play-by-play duties will be handled by the voice of the Marlies, John Bartlett, who returns for his fourth season with the organization. Former NHLer and Toronto Maple Leaf, Bob McGill, will join Bartlett in the booth for all 29 games. The Marlies announced on Friday, October 10 in conjunction with the FAN 590, that all 80 regular season games will be live on the FAN 590. Marlies play-by-play announcer John Bartlett, along with colour commentator, Bob McGill will provide the live action for Marlies fans this season. Fans can also tune into all of the action on the Marlies official website, torontomarlies.com

MARLIES ON THE WEB Follow the Marlies all season long for the latest, most up-to-date information on their official web site, torontomarlies.com

MARLIES UPCOMING PROMOTIONS:

Friday, February 20 vs. Hamilton Bulldogs - Pay Day Friday's presented by Ricoh

Saturday, February 21 vs. Rochester Americans - Don Cherry Cap & Salute to the Troops Night

Sunday, March 1 vs. Grand Rapids Griffins - Vesa Toskala Bobblehead Day

MARLIES RECAP:

Wednesday, February 11 vs. Syracuse

Marlies Hand It To Crunch, 6-3

Marlies Goals: Tlusty (11), Ryan (1), Aubin (6), Devereaux 2 (9), Stapleton (14)

Crunch Goals: MacDonald (11), MacKenzie (15), Clitsome (3)

Three Stars: 1. Devereaux (TOR), 2. Tlusty (TOR), 3. Ryan (TOR)

Recap: The Marlies had no trouble finding the back of the net again on Wednesday morning, downing the Crunch 6-3 at Ricoh Coliseum in front of a sold-out crowd. Jiri Tlusty opened the scoring just five minutes into the game while killing a penalty. After the Crunch tied it 1-1 the Marlies got goals from Joey Ryan and Brent Aubin before the end of the first period. Ryan's goal was his first career AHL goal. Boyd Devereaux scored this first of his two goals early in the second period and Tim Stapleton notched his team-leading 14th on a power play, giving the Marlies a 5-2 lead at the second intermission. The teams exchanged third period goals and the Marlies picked up the 6-3 win. Justin Pogge made 16 saves for his 18th win of the season.

Saturday, February 14 vs. Grand Rapids

Marlies Edge Griffins, 5-4

Marlies Goals: Williams (12), Petiot (3), Stapleton 2 (16), Tlusty (12)

Griffins Goals: Abdelkader 2 (18), Kolosov (4), Stafford (8)

Three Stars: 1. Stapleton (TOR), 2. Tlusty (TOR), 3. Abdelkader (GRA) Recap: Jiri Tlusty and Tim Stapleton each extended their point streaks to six games on Saturday when the Marlies defeated the Griffins 5-4 at Ricoh Coliseum. Jeremy Williams opened the scoring for the Marlies and Richard Petiot notched his third of the season giving Toronto a 2-1 lead at the first intermission. Stapleton scored two, second period goals and now leads the team with 16 this season. Tlusty found the back of the net in the second period and finished the game with a goal and two assists. Bates Battaglia collected three assists in the game and Phil Oreskovic tied a Marlies season-high with a plus-four rating. Josh Engel recorded his first point (assist) in a Marlies uniform in the game.

Sunday, February 15 vs. Springfield Marlies Down Falcons, 3-1

Marlies Goals: Williams (13), Tlusty (13), Boyce (11)

Falcons Goal: Jacques (1)

Three Stars: 1. Williams (TOR), 2. Boyce (TOR), 3. Dubnyk (SPR)

Recap: The Toronto Marlies extended their winning streak to four-games with their 3-1 victory over Springfield on Sunday afternoon. Jeremy Williams opened the scoring for the Marlies under five minutes into the game to give Toronto a 1-0 lead. After the Falcons tied the game at 1-1 on a power play, Jiri Tlusty scored a late second period goal to put the Marlies back in front 2-1. Both Tlusty and Tim Stapleton each extended their point streaks to seven games on the play. Bates Battaglia collected the other assist, extending his point streak to four games. Darryl Boyce added an insurance goal for Toronto on the power play and finished the game with two points. Adam Munro made 15 saves on 16 shots for his seventh win of the season.

Check out the Toronto Marlies Statistics

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American Hockey League Stories from February 17, 2009


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