The Toronto Marlies returned to familiar surroundings for the second half of November with five dramatic home games against formidable opposition. This time at Coca-Cola Coliseum, deeply ingrained leadership, sacrifice and roster-wide determination were the trinity of traits which helped the team shine.
But before returning to home ice, a first trip to Scotiabank Arena for the 2024/25 season was on the schedule as the Marlies hosted rivals Belleville Senators in their first game back.
Travelling fans were treated to a thrilling comeback as the hosts gave it everything they had to score three unanswered goals in the third period and force the longest shootout in franchise history.
“It’s kind of been the story of our team. The one good quality that our team has is that they don’t quit,” said head coach John Gruden after the game.
Goals from Fraser Minten, Nikita Grebenkin and Zach Solow helped Toronto claw back before things turned tense. A stunning 12-round shootout was required, where Belleville ultimately prevailed despite a strong performance from goaltender Denis Hildeby.
Then, in true Toronto fashion, the Marlies bounced back the best way possible with a 2-1 overtime win against the Rochester Americans. Sacrifice from multiple players on behalf of the team led to a positive outcome. Toronto were 7-for-7 on the penalty kill en route to their first overtime win of the season.
Nick Abruzzese let his experience shine and led the team in shots. He put them on the board in the first period after another assist from Captain Logan Shaw. After impressing last season, the duo thrives thanks to their developing on-ice partnership.
As the visitors eventually tied the game, Alex Nylander made some personal history to decide things. The Swede scored 35 seconds into overtime as Coca-Cola Coliseum erupted. It was his 100th AHL goal in his career.
“The guys are there, they’re committed to blocking shots. They’re committed to sacrificing their bodies and doing what they have to do to keep [Rochester] off the board,” reflected a proud Gruden. “We have some big, strong defencemen and forwards that are willing to sacrifice to get the job done. It was huge for us, we needed it.”
Additionally, the efforts of goaltending prospect Artur Akhtyamov received high praise with the rookie making 30 saves.
“There’s a lot there to like [about Akhtyamov] … Like I said, usually the goalie has to be your best penalty killer, and he was outstanding,” added Gruden. “It’s always an adjustment coming over here and playing in the North American game where there is a little more traffic. But he seems like he’s handling that really well. Good for him, and again, we wouldn’t have won that game without him.”
Up next was the most significant result during the five-game run at Coca-Cola Coliseum. One where critical leadership, roster depth and talent meshed perfectly to beat reigning Calder Cup champions the Hershey Bears in overtime (4-3).
According to Gruden, increasing the intensity and maintaining a “next man up” mentality were decisive characteristics in the statement win. Multiple players proved they can deliver when it matters and successfully did so across all five of Toronto’s home games.
After allowing three goals in the first period, the team’s reputation remained true. Solow kickstarted the comeback before Nylander again proved decisive with two goals and an assist to set up Abbruzzese for the winner 45 seconds into overtime.
After the victory, Solow revealed that key voices in the locker room were invaluable to the comeback, including captain Shaw, who helped Toronto awaken their pesky, never-quit attitude.
“Our captain [had the energy]. He’s saying, ‘Stay calm boys, we know what we need to do,” he revealed “‘Play the right way and good things are going to happen.’ We’re a fast team [and] we’re detailed. So, if we just forecheck [and] we stay on top of our guys, we’re going to get the puck back.”
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The Marlies then relied on that same quality leadership against San Jose Barracuda, with whom they split their weekend series. The first game saw Toronto win 3-0 in regulation time before succumbing to a 2-1 loss via a shootout in the second game.
After impressing in earlier performances, Minten, Grebenkin and Nylander were all called up to the NHL, leaving significant gaps to fill. However, not without talent, Toronto relied upon a host of other names to pull off results against the Barracuda.
Sam Stevens was a standout across both games, netting his first professional goal before making it two in two a day later. His memorable achievement was notably set up by the experienced Shaw. The captain has a history of setting up players for their first goals.
Looking ahead in the season, Gruden hopes the man who wears the ‘C’ continues to be at his best. When Shaw’s leadership excels, the team also does collectively.
[Logan’s] been really, really, good. He’s taken another step in leadership and how he goes about his business. He’s out there trying to make everybody better and he’s really played extremely well,” said Gruden.
“His game is at an all-time high for me right now in all aspects. We’re going to need that and it’s exciting for us as a staff and for our team for him to be playing at the level he’s playing at.”
Other notable names to step up during the final two games included Ryan Tverberg (first goal of the season), Cade Webber (two assists in two games), Abbruzzese (two assists in two games), Akhtyamov (second career shutout in game one) and Matt Murray (26/27 shots saved in game two).
The Marlies now head out on the road with three games. The first is against the Cleveland Monsters, and then there is a double-header against the Laval Rocket.
ALL-STAR STATS
The AHL celebrated eight Marlies players for their efforts on the ice. These include Akhtyamov (two first stars), Nylander (one first star, one second star), Minten (one second star), Solow (one second star), Stevens (one second star), Abruzzese (one third star), Roni Hirvonen (one third star) and Murray (one third star).
Additionally, the Marlies have gone into overtime in eight of 16 games this season, another example of the never-quit attitude.
Season leaders:
*Amongst active players
Goals 4 (N. Abruzzese)
Assists 9 (L. Shaw)
Points 11 (L. Shaw)
PPG 2 (R. Hirvonen)
Shots 28 (L. Shaw, R. Tverberg)
+/- +10 (M. Rifai)
PIMS 14 (J. Quillan, M. Rifai)
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MARLIES MIC’D UP
Captain Logan Shaw on hosting Campfire Circle for Hockey Fights Cancer game:
“It’s special, every win is special, but the little ceremony before the game you kind of get goosebumps. The way that those kids fight and their families fight, it’s pretty special.
Having a family myself, it touches the heart and it’s pretty cool to see how each and every one of those kids fights each and every day. It would be nice to have [Blandisi] in the lineup for a night like tonight for everything that he does for Campfire Circle, but it was nice to win for sure.”
Fraser Minten on the compete level in the AHL: “Good, it’s another level of strength for sure. A lot more consistency. All four lines, every one you’re out against, they know how to play. They can be strong, fast, physical. In junior you have the younger lines … The depth that everyone has [here],everyone can play.”
Sam Stevens on his first goal: “I got a great pass in the neutral zone, went wide and I just saw a seam out wide and yelled [Shaw’s] name as loud as a could. He’s a great player and he made a great pass.
“It’s great, that’s what you work for as a kid to get your first professional goal. Especially at home in front of our great fans, it was a special moment. [The guys] were really happy for me. We’re all really close … There’s no one individual success, it’s the team. Whatever I can do to help the team win, I’m happy.”
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