Remember when the Toronto Marlies had incredible depth in all positions, and were winning and scoring goals at will, along with having little to no trouble preventing them? Well, they’re still capable of doing those things, but with so many players gone, it’s not going to come anywhere near as easy as it was earlier in the year. Going into tonight, the Marlies had won 11 straight games against the Rochester Americans. That streak would end, as Toronto fell to the Sabres affiliate 5-1.

Rochester held their lead from a very early point of the game – Mark Mancari tipped a long shot past Jussi Rynnas just six minute sinto the first period. Despite two powerplay opportunities for the Marlies, the next goal was an insurance tally rather than an equalizer, courtesy of Amerks centre Kevin Porter. Ryan Grimshaw took Toronto’s lone penalty for the period, but no damage came as a result.

The Marlies earned a powerplay just fourty eight seconds into the second period, It wouldn’t last though, as Joe Colborne evened it up halfway through, taking an interference penalty. Toronto outshot their opponents over the course of the period, but it was Evan Rankin who scored the only goal of the frame, bringing Rochester’s lead to 3-0. Spencer Abbott went to the box with four minutes remaining, with no negative outcome.

The third period started off with some early action. A little less than four minutes later. Kenny Ryan tried to shake things up by fighting Frederick Roy. Before you knew it, there was a goal! For the Amerks, again. Specifically, by Mancari, again. Not the intended result. That said, David Leggio’s shutout was broken – Spencer Abbott set up Jerry D’Amigo for his 6th of the season with five minutes to go. However, that would be as close as the Marlies got, as Mancari completed his hat trick on a 5-on-3 with 14 seconds to go in the game.

Other Notes

Jussi Rynnas allowed 5 goals, making 24 saves on 29 shots.

Jake Gardiner, who’s stay with the Marlies has been extended while he recovers from his concussion, was a -2 and took two shots.

To show how many key players the Marlies have lost, all three Rochester goal scorers tonight would be leading active Marlies players in goals.

In fact, nobody currently playing on the Marlies has more than 9 goals (Jake Gardiner).

Will Acton was a team worst -3.

Tim Connolly went goaless for the first time since joining the club, and was a -1

The Marlies are now just 4-5-1 in their past 10 games

The Marlies play tomorrow at Ricoh Coliseum against the Hamilton Bulldogs. The game is expected to be their fifth consecutive sell out.

(Photo courtesy Rochester Americans Facebook page)





