Marlies Win Both Games Over the Weekend; Extend Winning Streak to Four Games
March 23, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Toronto Marlies News Release
Opponents This Week:
(March 24):
The Marlies hit the road on Wednesday when they take on the Binghamton Senators, AHL affiliate of the Ottawa Senators, at 7:05 p.m. The game will mark the second of two meetings between the two clubs this season. In the first meeting on November 27 at Ricoh Coliseum, the Marlies edged the Senators 5- 4. Marlies captain Ben Ondrus led the way with two goals and an assist in the victory. Andre Deveaux chipped in with three assists and Ryan Hamilton also added a goal and a helper. The Marlies hold a 7-6-2 all-time advantage over the B-Sens. The Senators currently rank fifth in the East Division with a record of 31-32-5-3 for 70 points, sitting seven points out of a playoff spot. They've been hot lately, winning three straight games and have gone 7-2-1-0 over their past 10 games. They own a 17-15-2-2 record on home ice. Martin St. Pierre paces the club in scoring with 64 points (23 goals, 41 assists). St. Pierre's 22 power play assists ranks fifth in the league. Forward Ryan Keller ranks first on the Senators in goals with 30. He returned at the beginning of the season to the AHL after two seasons in the Finnish National League. Right Winger Jonathan Cheechoo has skated in 18 games with Binghamton, notching six goals and six assists. Cheechoo scored 52 goals with the San Jose Sharks during the 2005-06 regular season. In 501 career NHL games, Cheechoo has registered 305 points (170 goals, 135 assists) and 324 penalty minutes. Goaltender Mike Brodeur has compiled a record of 10-10-2 with a 3.16 goals-against average and 0.897 save percentage with Binghamton. In three games with Ottawa this season, Brodeur is a perfect 3-0-0 with a 1.00 goals- against average and 0.970 save percentage and has one shutout.
(March 26): Toronto travels to Syracuse on Friday night to take on their former division-rivals, the Crunch, AHL affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Oncenter at 7:30 p.m. The matchup will be the second and final meeting between the two clubs. On January 24 at Ricoh Coliseum, the Crunch defeated the Marlies 4-3 in a shootout. Rookie Tomas Kana scored two goals and Derek MacKenzie recorded a goal and an assist in the Crunch win. The Marlies battled back from a 3-1 third period deficit to force overtime. Joey MacDonald made 32 saves, but took the loss. The Crunch switched divisions over the summer and is currently in the East Division, where they rank seventh with a record of 30-34-3-3 for 66 points. They've only won four of their past 10 games and have dropped their past two contests. The Marlies hold an all-time record of 15-13-5 against Syracuse. The Crunch has a record of 16-16-1-1 at the Oncenter this season. Syracuse will play six of their final eight games on home ice. Former Marlie, Brendan Bell, ranks first on the Crunch in scoring, and fourth amongst defencemen in the AHL, with 49 points (14 goals, 35 assists). Bell, the Maple Leafs third round, 65th overall selection in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, appeared in 70 games with the Marlies during the 2005-06 season, registering six goals and 37 assists. Forward Chad Kolarik paces the club in goals with 23. In 68 games this season, Kolarik has posted 45 points (23 goals, 22 assists) to go along with 45 penalty minutes. Goaltender Kevin Lalande has compiled a record of 22-21-2 with a 2.82 goals-against average and 0.910 save percentage in 49 games.
(March 27 & 28):
Toronto finishes their weekend with back-to-back games against their division rivals, the Rochester Americans, AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers, on Saturday and Sunday. The game on Saturday is a 4:00 p.m. puck-drop at Ricoh Coliseum, where the Marlies will be looking to pick up their first win against the Amerks. Through the first five meetings this season, Toronto has posted a record of (0-4-1-0) against Rochester. Tyler Plante has shut the Marlies out twice in a row over the past two games, both at Ricoh Coliseum. Rochester currently ranks third in the North Division with a 38-30-2-0 record for 78 points. During the 2008-2009 season, the Americans finished in seventh place in the North Division with a record of 29-43-0-8 for 66 points. The Amerks have dropped three straight games and have posted a record of 5-5-0-0 over their last 10 games. Despite their strong home record (21-13-2-0), the Americans have had their struggles on the road, showing a record of 17-17-0-0. Rochester's home power play ranks sixth in the AHL with an 21.8% success rate; while on the road it ranks 19th (14.7%). Last season the Marlies played eight games against the Amerks, compiling a 6-1-1-0 record, and went 2-1-1-0 against them at Ricoh Coliseum. Americans goaltender Alexander Salak was named the AHL goalie of the month for October. Salak began his AHL career with a 6-0-0 mark in seven appearances, a 1.66 goals-against average and a.947 save percentage, helping the Americans to the best record in the league during the opening month. Salak has a record of 28-14-0 with a 2.83 goals-against average and 0.911 save percentage. He currently ranks third (tie) in the AHL with 28 wins and also has appeared in two games with the Florida Panthers this season. Forward Jamie Johnson paces the Amerks and ranks 15th in the AHL with 63 points (23 goals, 40 assists). Defenceman Clay Wilson ranks first in the league in power play assists with 23. Wilson ranks second amongst all defencemen in the AHL with 54 points (12 goals, 42 assists). Toronto native, Kenndal McArdle was named the 2008-09 Connors & Ferris Comeback Player of the Year.
MARLIES HEADLINES:
What Happened Last Week: The Marlies won both games over the weekend, extending their winning streak to four games and their point streak to six games. Toronto opened up their two-game week on Saturday with a 4-3 shootout victory over the Hamilton Bulldogs. Joey MacDonald made a season-high 42 saves, including four in the shootout, and Tim Brent led the charge for Toronto offensively with a goal and an assist. Ryan Hamilton's two goals, including the winner in overtime, propelled the Marlies to a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Abbotsford Heat on Sunday. Toronto is currently tied for fifth place in the North Division with a 29-30-6-5 record for 69 points, sitting five points out of the final playoff spot in the division.
Another Brick in the Wall: James Reimer: Reimer has guided the Marlies to at least a point in 13 of his past 16 starts (10-3-2). Over his past 16 starts, he's recorded a 0.937 save percentage and 2.00 goals-against average. Reimer was the game's third star in Toronto's 2-1 overtime win on Sunday, making 33 saves on 34 shots. Reimer recorded his first career AHL shutout on February 20, making 31 saves and earning first star honours in the club's 2-0 win over Manitoba. In 18 games this season, Reimer has a record of 11-5-1 with a 2.18 goals-against average and 0.930 save percentage.
Joey MacDonald: MacDonald made 42 saves on Saturday in the club's 4-3 shootout win over the Bulldogs. He's won his past three starts (3-0-0) while posting a 1.30 goals-against average and a 0.961 save percentage. On March 12 in Chicago, he made 40 saves for his second shutout of the season. MacDonald has only allowed four goals over his past three games.
Home Sweet Home: The Marlies have played their best hockey on home ice this season, holding a 20-10-3-2 advantage at Ricoh Coliseum. With their two home victories over the weekend, the Marlies have won seven of their past nine contests at Ricoh Coliseum and have earned at least a point in 13 of their last 18 home contests. The club has only allowed seven goals over their past four games on home ice.The Marlies two home games over the March 20-21 weekend drew a total of 13,954 fans at Ricoh Coliseum. Toronto has five more home dates on their 2009-10 regular season.
We're Going Streaking: Kyle Calder has posted points in three of his past four games for the Marlies, including his three-point evening on March 12 in Chicago. Calder notched two goals and an assist to go along with a plus- three rating in the Marlies 3-0 win over the Wolves. The following night in Milwaukee, Calder scored a power play goal in the club's 3-2 win. Calder has tallied seven points (three goals, four assists) over his past six games. Defenceman Brendan Mikkelson has points in four of his past five games (two goals, five assists). The defenceman had his season-high four-game point streak snapped on Saturday versus Hamilton.
Keeping It Close: The Marlies have a very impressive record this season when the game is decided by one goal, marking a record of 20-2-6-5. 20 of their 29 victories this season have come in one-goal contests. Ryan Hamilton's overtime goal on Sunday was his third game-winner of the season, which ranks first on the team. The Marlies own a 19-0-3-2 record when taking the lead into the third period. Toronto holds a 19-7-6 record when scoring the game's opening goal and are 23-6-6 when they score three or more goals in a game.
Hammer Time: Ryan Hamilton's shorthanded breakaway goal with 55 seconds remaining in overtime on Sunday lifted the Marlies to a 2-1 win over Abbotsford. Hamilton was credited with the game-tying goal late in the game for the Marlies against the Heat. The Oshawa, Ontario native has scored at least a goal in each of his past three games. In 37 games this season, Hamilton has tallied 18 points (13 goals, five assists) to go along with 35 penalty minutes. He ranks second on the club in goals.
Multi-Point Games: The Marlies had two players notch multi-point games last week. Tim Brent tallied a goal and an assist on Saturday in the team's win over the Bulldogs. Brent has notched two multi-point games over his past four contests. Hamilton's two goal output on Sunday was his fifth multi-point contest of the season. Christian Hanson paces the club with nine multi-point games this season.
Multi-Point Games
1. Hanson 9
2. Stalberg 8
3. Deveaux 6
Brent 6
5. Calder 5
Hamilton 5
In the Community: The Marlies participated in their sixth and final community practice on March 15 when they traveled to the Luther Vipond Memorial Arena in Whitby, Ontario. The team hit the ice at 5:30 p.m. for an hour long practice and then had a full team autograph signing afterwards. Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), the MLSE Team Up Foundation and RONA, in collaboration with the city of Whitby, unveiled new plans to refurbish Luther Vipond Memorial Arena at the practice. The rink refurbishment will mark the 14th project as part of the MLSE Team Up Foundation Hockey Rink Legacy Program.
Reading Report: The Toronto Maple Leafs ECHL affiliate, the Reading Royals currently rank second in the East Division with a 33-27-1-4 record for 71 points. The Royals won their second straight game on Saturday night, 3-0 over the Johnstown Chiefs. On Friday night against Elmira, Stefano Giliati was the game's first star, recording two goals and an assist. Alex Berry notched three assists in the victory, earning third star honours. Andrew Engelage improved his record to 7-2-0, by making 30 saves on Friday night. Giliati has notched 19 points (eight goals, 11 assists) over his past nine games. The Royals have won eight of their past 12 contests.
MARLIES QUICK HITS:
- Joey MacDonald has won his past three starts, posting a 1.30 goals-against average and a 0.961 save percentage during that span. MacDonald has only allowed four goals over his past three games.
- Andre Deveaux currently leads the team in goals (14), points (37), power play goals (five) and penalty minutes (188).
- The Marlies have only allowed 12 goals over their past seven games.
- Toronto's penalty kill unit hasn't allowed a goal over their past four games (24-for-24).
- Jesse Blacker made his AHL debut on Saturday in the Marlies 4-3 shootout win. The defenceman recorded an assist and a plus-two rating in his debut.
- Forward Alex Berry was recalled by the Marlies from Reading on Tuesday morning. In three games while with the Royals, he tallied three assists and a plus-three rating.
- The Marlies have been out-shot in their past five games, but own a record of 4-0-1-0 over that span.
- Simon Gysbers made his AHL debut on March 12 in Chicago. The 6'4, 200-pound defenceman has skated in four games with the Marlies since signing with the club.
- Toronto has won seven of their past nine games when they've out-shot their opponent.
- Brennan Evans' 181 penalty minutes currently ranks second in the AHL for defencemen and 12th overall.
Reebok/AHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK NOMINEE
For the week ending March 21, 2010, the Toronto Marlies nominated forward Ryan Hamilton for consideration as the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week. Hamilton scored the game-tying goal late in the third period on Sunday, and then won the game for the Marlies in overtime. The two goals pushed his goal scoring streak to three games. On Saturday he scored the go ahead goal in the third period against the Bulldogs.
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:
Saturday, April 10 vs. Hamilton Bulldogs - Bring Your Dog to the Game Day
Sunday, April 11 vs. Abbotsford Heat - Fan Appreciation Day
MARLIES RECAP:
Saturday, March 20 vs. Hamilton Bulldogs
Marlies Edge Bulldogs in Shootout, 4-3
Marlies Goals:
Oreskovic (2), Brent (9), Hamilton (11), Brent (SOW)
Bulldogs Goals:
Russell (17), Conboy (6), Trotter (31)
Three Stars:
1. MacDonald (TOR), 2. Brent (TOR), 3. Trotter (HAM)
Recap: The Marlies extended their point streak to a season-best five games on Saturday afternoon when they defeated the Hamilton Bulldogs 4-3 in a shootout. Phil Oreskovic got the game started with a goal just 13 seconds into the game. Oreskovic's tally was his second of the season. Despite the Bulldogs out- shooting the Marlies 22-8 through the first 40 minutes, the game was deadlocked at 1-1 going into the final period. The Marlies got third period goals from Tim Brent and Ryan Hamilton; while Ryan Russell and Brock Trotter countered for Hamilton. After a scoreless overtime, the Marlies first two players scored (Brent and Josh Engel) in the shootout and Joey MacDonald turned away all four Hamilton shooters for the win. MacDonald finished the game with 42 saves, earning first star honours.
Sunday, March 21 Abbotsford Heat
Hamilton Too Hot for Heat
Marlies Goals:
Hamilton 2 (13)
Heat Goal:
Baldwin (4)
Three Stars:
1. Hamilton (TOR), 2. Shantz (ABB), 3. Reimer (TOR)
Recap: Ryan Hamilton's second goal of the night in overtime gave the Marlies the 2-1 victory over the Heat on Sunday afternoon. The Marlies fell behind 1-0 when Gord Baldwin fired a shot that fooled James Reimer through the five-hole. Toronto finally solved Heat starting goalie David Shantz with 48 seconds remaining in regulation time. Hamilton deflected a shot past Shantz to knot the game at 1-1. While killing a penalty in overtime, Ben Ondrus chipped the puck to Hamilton who scored on the breakaway to give the Marlies the walk-off victory. Reimer made 33 saves, earning third star honours.
American Hockey League Stories from March 23, 2010
- Admirals Top Stars 3-2 - Milwaukee Admirals
- Bulldogs Defeated 3-2 By Moose - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Moose Top Bulldogs, 3-2 - Manitoba Moose
- Admirals Hang On To Edge Stars 3-2 - Texas Stars
- Alex Stalock Sets AHL Record, Sharks Win 3-1 - Worcester Sharks
- Crunch Wiped Out by Worcester - Syracuse Crunch
- Jackson Stewart From The Hannah Montana Show To Appear At Rampage Game - San Antonio Rampage
- Wolf Pack Sign Defenseman Lee Baldwin To ATO - Connecticut Whale
- Monarchs Release Bates - Manchester Monarchs
- Falcons Announce Multiple Player Moves - Springfield Falcons
- Adirondack Ends Hershey's Home Winning Streak On Sunday - Adirondack Phantoms
- Silver Medalist To Sign Autographs Saturday, Hawks To Honor IceHogs Tonight - Rockford IceHogs
- Spaling Recalled From Admirals - Milwaukee Admirals
- Week Twenty Six: Chad Continues Chipping In - Syracuse Crunch
- B-Sens Weekly - Binghamton Senators
- Albany Signs Mike McKenzie To ATO - Albany River Rats
- Wolves Send Galivan To Gwinnett - Chicago Wolves
- Marlies Win Both Games Over the Weekend; Extend Winning Streak to Four Games - Toronto Marlies
- Admirals Enter Pivotal Week For Playoff Hopes - Norfolk Admirals
- Brett Sutter Recalled To Calgary Flames - Abbotsford Heat
- Crunch Recall Goaltender Dan Taylor - Syracuse Crunch
- Wolves Playoff Tickets On Sale Thursday - Chicago Wolves
- Devils Weekly - Albany Devils
- Griffins Sign Brandon Wong To ATO - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Rivermen Weekly - Peoria Rivermen
- Pirates Weekly - Portland Pirates
- Marlies Recall Forward Alex Berry From Reading - Toronto Marlies
- Rats Stumble, Remain In Second - Albany River Rats
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