Marlies week of Dec 1

Marlies Face Heat on Tuesday; Finish Week with Back-to-Back Games Against Hamilton

Marlies Play Three Games Versus North Division Foes this Week

Opponents This Week:

(Dec. 1): The Marlies finish their six game homestand tonight against the Abbotsford Heat, AHL affiliate of the Calgary Flames, at 7:00 p.m. (ET). The game will be the third of eight meetings between the Marlies and Heat this season. The Marlies have posted a 1-1-0-0 record against the Heat, with both games being played in Abbotsford. The Heat currently ranks fourth in the North Division with a 12-10-2-2 record for 28 points, four points ahead of the Marlies who have played five less games. Abbotsford leads the AHL in penalty minutes with 746, over 100 minutes more than any other team. The Flames moved their affiliate to Abbotsford to begin the 2009-10 season after two seasons of play in Moline, Illinois as the Quad City Flames. Last season, the Quad City Flames finished fifth in the West Division with a 36-31-6-7 record, for 85 points and missed the playoffs by one point. On October 13, Abbotsford recorded its franchise’s first win, beating the Manitoba Moose 4-2. Leland Irving stopped 28 shots in the victory and former Vancouver Canuck Jason Jaffray was awarded the first star after netting the game winner. Abbotsford’s Jason Jaffray currently leads the team in scoring with 19 points (10 goals, nine assists) through 25 games. Jaffray also leads the league (tie) in short-handed goals (2). The Abbotsford roster currently features five first round draft picks. Heat head coach, Jim Playfair won the Calder Cup as the bench boss of the Saint John Flames in 2000-01.

(Dec. 4, 5): The Marlies will face the Hamilton Bulldogs, AHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens, in a home-and-away series beginning on Friday in Hamilton at Copps Coliseum at 7:30 p.m. (ET). They then return to Ricoh Coliseum Saturday for a 4:00 p.m. tilt. The games will be the second and third meetings this season between the two teams and the first since the Marlies 3-2 shootout win in their season opener. Joey Macdonald made 32 saves in the victory and Alex Foster sealed the deal with a shootout winner. Hamilton currently sits in second place in the North Division with a 13-6-1-3 record for 30 points. Hamilton has only allowed one goal over their past three games, including shutting out their opponent the past two games. The Marlies hold an all-time record of 27-18-3 against the QEW rivals. On Saturday, the Bulldogs earned their second shutout with a 3-0 win over the Monsters, which was Hamilton’s 500th regular season win. Forward Brock Trotter had a four-point weekend as he registered two assists in the Bulldogs’ 4-0 win over Lake Erie on Friday, and scored a goal and an assist as Hamilton defeated the Monsters on Saturday. Trotter currently leads the team in scoring with five goals and 14 assists for 19 points. Goaltender Cedrick Desjardins earned a shutout this past weekend and now ranks fourth in the AHL with a 1.80 goals-against average. Centre, David Desharnais had his seven game point streak snapped after returning to the line-up from a one-game stint with the Canadiens on November 27 as the Bulldogs defeated Lake Erie 4-0.

MARLIES HEADLINES:

A Look Back at the Week: The Marlies went 2-0-1-0 in three games this past week and have now earned at least a point in their past four games (3-0-1-0). The club began their three-game week with a 4-1 victory on Wednesday morning over the Lake Erie Monsters. Viktor Stalberg finished with a goal and an assist and was named the game’s first star. Alex Berry scored his first career AHL goal in the game. Toronto extended their winning streak to three games on Friday night with a comeback victory over Binghamton, 5-4. The Marlies used third period goals from Ryan Hamilton, Ben Ondrus, Jiri Tlusty and Troy Bodie to erase a three-goal, third period deficit. On Saturday afternoon, the Marlies again came back in the third period, but eventually lost in overtime, 2-1 to the Houston Aeros. Darryl Boyce’s game-tying goal in the third period was his first of the season. The Marlies currently rank sixth in the North Division with a 10-7-2-2 record for 24 points.

Home Sweet Home: The Marlies have gone 3-1-1-0 on their current six game homestand which started on November 21 versus Grand Rapids. Despite their overtime loss on Saturday afternoon, Toronto has won five of their last seven games at home and has earned at least a point in seven of their previous eight contests. The Marlies have out-scored their opponents 23-17 in their past eight home games. The Marlies hold a 7-2-2-0 advantage at Ricoh Coliseum this season. Toronto will play their sixth and final game of their homestand on Tuesday night against Abbotsford.

No Stalling For Viktor: Viktor Stalberg has netted at least a point in five of his past six games (two goals, six assists) and is currently on a three game point streak. Stalberg ranks second (tie) on the Marlies with five multi-point games. On Wednesday morning in Toronto’s 4-1 win, he was the game’s first star, notching a goal and an assist. In 13 games this season, he’s tallied five goals and 10 assists for 15 points. He ranks first (tie) on the club in goals and second (tie) in points. Stalberg is tops on the team and third (tie) in the American Hockey League with two insurance goals.

Jiri Back At It: Jiri Tlusty ranks second (tie) on the Marlies with 15 points (eight goals, seven assists) and has earned a point in nine of his past 14 games. On Friday night, he scored the game-tying goal with under five minutes remaining in regulation time. Tlusty’s eight goals this season ranks first (tie) on the team. He ranks second (tie) on the team with five multi-point games. His six power play points (two goals, four assists) ranks first (tie) on the club.

Another Brick in the Wall: James Reimer has guided the Marlies to at least a point in each of his past seven starts, with a record of 5-0-1 during that stretch. Over his past six starts, he’s recorded a 0.938 save percentage and 2.06 goals-against average. Reimer turned aside 25 saves for his team-leading sixth win of the season on Wednesday morning against the Monsters. In nine games this season, Reimer has a record of 6-1-1 with a 2.29 goals-against average and 0.925 save percentage. Adam Munro came into replace Reimer during the second period of Friday’s game versus Binghamton and turned aside all nine shots he faced to help lead the Marlies to a 5-4 win. Munro suffered the overtime loss on Saturday but made 19 saves. In seven games this season, Munro has compiled a 2-3-1 record, with a 2.40 goals-against average and 0.922 save percentage.

Killing Time: The Marlies penalty killing unit hasn’t allowed a goal in three consecutive games and they’ve only allowed six power play goals over their past 13 contests. During that span they’ve successfully killed off 54-of-60 penalties against them (90.0%). On Friday night in their 5-4 victory over Binghamton, Ben Ondrus scored his first shorthanded tally of the season in the third period. This season the team has scored four shorthanded goals.

Power Up: Toronto’s power play has scored at least a goal in four of their past six games. During that span, they’ve gone 21.4% on the man-advantage (6-for-28). Their home power play ranks 12th in the American Hockey League with an 18.5 percent success rate this season. Hanson, Bozak and Tlusty each rank tied for first on the club with six power play points each.

Multi-Point Games: The Marlies had three players register a multi-point game over the weekend. Ryan Hamilton (one goal, one assist), Andre Deveaux (three assists) and Ben Ondrus (two goals, one assist) each netted multi-point contests in the club’s 5-4 win over the Senators on Friday night. Christian Hanson leads the team with six multi-point games this season.

Multi-Point Games

Hanson 6
Tlusty 5
Zigomanis 5
Stalberg 5
Foster 3
Hamilton 3
Deveaux 2
Bozak 1
Slaney 1
Berry 1
Boyce 1
Ondrus 1

Foster The Statistics: On November 23, the American Hockey League announced that Alex Foster was named the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending November 22. In three games, Foster recorded six points (five goals, one assist) and a plus-two rating. He’s currently on a three-game goal streak which started on Friday night with a two-goal game against Lake Erie. Foster had missed the previous 10 games due to injury. In eight games this season, the Marlies assistant captain has registered six goals and two assists.

Reading Report: The Toronto Maple Leafs ECHL affiliate, the Reading Royals currently rank second in the East Division with a 10-8-1-1 record for 22 points. The Royals have dropped their past two games, both coming against the Johnstown Chiefs. Greg Scott netted his first career ECHL goal on Sunday against the Chiefs. Robert Slaney registered his first point (assist) in the same game. Stefano Giliati ranks third on the Royals in points with 17 (eight goals, nine assists). Giliati ranks second on the Royals in goals (eight) and is fourth (tie) on the club in assists (nine).

Sledge Hockey at Ricoh: March of Dimes Canada is proud to welcome Paralympics gold medal winning hockey goaltender Paul Rosen to the Marlies/Bulldogs game this Saturday at 4:00 p.m. Rosen was part of Canada’s gold medal winning sledge hockey team at the 2006 winter games in Torino. During the first intermission of the game, Rosen, along with teammates Greg Westlake and Adam Nixon, will take part in a sledge hockey shootout. In the second intermission they will be signing autographs for fans in attendance at Ricoh Coliseum.

Partner Up: The game on Saturday December 5, 2009 versus the Hamilton Bulldogs is Metro’s Promotional Night at Ricoh Coliseum. Marlies fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to support the Daily Food Bank for those in need over the holiday season. Fans are encouraged to arrive to the game early as Metro will be handing out reusable grocery bags to the first 3,000 fans. They will also be featuring a Metro Turkey Handout where eight lucky fans will have the chance to win a turkey for the upcoming holiday. Metro will also be handing out Compliments brand cereal bars after the game.

MARLIES QUICK HITS:

– Tyler Bozak has recorded a point in four of his past seven games. On November 20 he added a career-high three assists, with two of them coming on the power play. In 17 games this season, he has tallied 10 points (two goals, eight assists).

– On Tuesday morning forwards Robert Slaney and Greg Scott were recalled from the Reading Royals. They both skated in four games with Reading last week. Scott scored his first career ECHL goal on Sunday; while Slaney recorded his first point (assist) in the game.

– Juraj Mikus has recorded an assist in three of his past five games.

– Darryl Boyce is currently on a three game point streak (one goal, three assists) and has tallied a point in four of his past five games. Boyce scored his first goal of the season on Saturday versus Houston.

– Matt Beleskey was recalled by the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday and skated in their 3-2 overtime loss to Phoenix on Sunday.

– Brennan Evans’ 74 penalty minutes currently ranks fourth in the AHL for defencemen.

– The Marlies own a record of 5-0-2-2 in one goal games this season.

– The Marlies will hit the road on Friday night to take on the Hamilton Bulldogs and then return to Ricoh Coliseum for four straight home games. Toronto is currently on a stretch where 10 of their 11 games will be played on home ice.

– The Marlies have been out-scored 34-11 in the second period through 21 games this season, but have out-scored their opponents 26-11 in the third period.

Reebok/AHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK NOMINEE

For the week ending November 29, 2009, the Toronto Marlies nominated forward Darryl Boyce for consideration as the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week. Boyce registered a point in all three Marlies games last week (one goal, three assists) and has now recorded a point in four of his past five games. The Summerside, PEI native registered two assists in the Marlies 4-1 win over Lake Erie on Wednesday and was named the game’s second star. On Saturday, in the Marlies 2-1 overtime loss, Boyce scored the game-tying goal in the third period. In eight games this season, Boyce has tallied six points (one goal, five assists) with a plus-two rating.

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

John Bartlett, the voice of the Toronto Marlies spoke to children and families from the Angle Tree foundation prior to the Marlies game on Saturday November 28th

MARLIES UPCOMING PROMOTIONS:

Saturday, December 5 vs. Hamilton Bulldogs – March of Dimes & Metro Game
Friday, December 11 vs. Chicago Wolves – Live Band
Sunday, December 13 vs. Grand Rapids Griffins – Maple Leafs practice at Ricoh Coliseum
Monday, December 14 vs. Milwaukee Admirals – Holiday Game

MARLIES RECAP:

Wednesday, November 25 vs. Lake Erie Monsters

Marlies dominate Monsters 4-1
Marlies Goals: Stalberg (5), Bodie (3), Berry (1), Beleskey (2)
Phantoms Goals: Durno (9)
Three Stars: 1. Stalberg (TOR), 2. Boyce (TOR), 3. Dupuis (LEM)

Recap: Viktor Stalberg led the charge for the Marlies on Wednesday morning, scoring a goal and adding an assist to give Toronto their fourth victory over Lake Erie this season, 4-1. Stalberg opened the scoring with his fifth goal of the season 10 minutes into the first period on the power play. Troy Bodie made it a 2-0 lead with his first in a Marlies uniform four minutes later. In the second period, Alex Berry notched his first career AHL goal to put Toronto in front 3-0. Matt Beleskey tipped in a point shot by Brett Festerling on a Marlies power play for his first goal as a Marlie. The Monsters added a goal in the third period, but it wasn’t enough as the Marlies remained undefeated against their division-rival this season (4-0-0-0). James Reimer made 25 saves for his team-leading sixth win of the season. Darryl Boyce registered a game-high two assists. Toronto’s power play went 2-for-4; while their penalty killing unit was a perfect 5-for-5.

Friday, November 27 vs. Binghamton

Marlies Erase Three-Goal, Third Period Deficit and Win 5-4
Marlies Goals: Ondrus 2 (3), Hamilton (8), Tlusty (8), Bodie (4)
Senators Goals: Smith (5), St. Pierre (9), Daugavins (7), Hennessy (7)
Three Stars: 1. Ondrus (TOR), 2. Engel (TOR), 3. Hamilton (TOR)

Recap: The Marlies four goal, third period erased a 4-1 Binghamton lead, as the Marlies extended their winning streak to three games with their 5-4 victory. Binghamton brought the action to Toronto in the first period, outshooting them 21-10 and took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission. After the B-Sens jumped out to a 3-0 lead, Marlies captain Ben Ondrus made it a 3-1 game. Toronto trailed 4-1 at the second intermission, but Ryan Hamilton netted his eighth of the season 57 seconds into the third period. Ondrus notched his second of the game at the 12:45 mark of the third period and then Jiri Tlusty knotted the game at 4-4 three minutes later. With 68 seconds remaining in regulation, Josh Engel fired a shot from the point that was tipped in by Troy Bodie to complete the comeback. Andre Deveaux finished the game with three assists. Adam Munro, who relieved James Reimer in the second period, made nine saves for the win.
Saturday, November 28 vs. Houston

Aeros Drop Marlies in Overtime, 2-1
Marlies Goal: Boyce (1)
Aeros Goals: Rau 2 (5)
Three Stars: 1. Noreau (HOU), 2. Rau (HOU), 3. Boyce (TOR)

Recap: The Marlies dropped a 2-1 decision on Saturday afternoon in overtime, but were able to extend their points streak to four games. Chad Rau scored both goals for the Aeros, including the game-winning goal at the 1:20 mark of overtime. Darryl Boyce scored the game-tying goal mid-way through the third period to knot the game at 1-1. Viktor Stalberg and Andre Deveaux each collected assists on Boyce’s first tally of the season. Adam Munro got the start and turned aside 19 saves in the overtime loss. The Marlies power play failed to connect on four attempts, but killed off both penalties against them.

COMING THIS WEEK BOX OFFICE REPORT

Tue., Dec. 1 Abbotsford Heat at Toronto Marlies 7:00 pm Ricoh Coliseum    TICKETS 416-597-7825
Fri., Dec. 4 Toronto Marlies at Hamilton Bulldogs 7:30 pm Copps Coliseum  TICKETS 905-529-8500
Sat., Dec. 5 Hamilton Bulldogs at Toronto Marlies 4:00 pm Ricoh Coliseum   TICKETS 416-597-7825

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.