Marlies Week of March 2

Marlies Look to Extend Home Winning Streak to Five Games on Wednesday Morning
Toronto Plays Three Games at Ricoh Coliseum this Week, Including Contest Versus AHL’s Hottest Team

Opponents This Week:

(March 3): The Marlies look to extend their four-game home winning streak on Wednesday when they take on the Chicago Wolves, AHL affiliate of the Atlanta Thrashers, at 11:00 a.m. at Ricoh Coliseum. The matchup will be Toronto’s third and final school day game of the season and hold a record of 1-0-0-1 in those situations. The game marks the third of four meetings between the two clubs. Toronto holds a 7-3-2 all-time advantage over Chicago. On December 11 at Ricoh Coliseum, the Marlies defeated the Wolves 5-4 in a 10-round shootout. The Wolves are currently the hottest team in the AHL, winners of nine of their past 11 games and ranking first in the West Division with a record of 38-18-1-4 for 81 points. Chicago holds a record of 16-12-1-2 on the road this season. Former Marlies forward, Tim Stapleton, ranks third on the Wolves in points with 52 (25 goals, 27 assists). Stapleton set the Marlies single season points record last year, finishing the season with 79 points (28 goals, 51 assists), good for seventh in the AHL. He made his NHL debut last season with the Maple Leafs on February 26 against the New York Islanders. Brett Sterling paces the AHL in scoring with 34 goals. Jason Krog currently leads all Chicago scorers, and ranks sixth in the league with 61 points (12 goals, 49 assists). Former Toronto Maple Leaf, Johnny Pohl, has notched 14 goals and 25 assists for the Wolves this season. Pohl played for the Maple Leafs for three seasons from 2005-08, registering 17 goals and 21 assists for 38 points in 114 games. Defenceman Paul Postma collected a career-high three assists last Sunday and leads all Wolves blueliners with 10 goals. Jamie Hunt has scored a goal in three straight games and is on a six-game point streak. The Wolves out-scored their opponents 54-32 during the month of February in 13 contests. Chicago is averaging 3.46 goals per game this season, ranking them second in the league. On Tuesday the Atlanta Thrashers signed defenceman Chris Chelios and assigned him to the Wolves.

(March 6): Toronto hosts the Rochester Americans, AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers, for the third time this season on Saturday in a 4:00 p.m. contest at Ricoh Coliseum. The Marlies are yet to pick up a win against the Americans through the first four meetings (0-3-1-0). The Amerks shutout the Marlies 2-0 in their most recent matchup on January 30, with Tyler Plante making 22 saves in the win. Rochester currently ranks second in the North Division with a 34-26-2-0 record for 70 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. Rochester is currently tied with Abbotsford in the division but the Amerks have only won four times over their past 10 games. Despite their strong home record (21-11-2-0), the Americans have had their struggles on the road, posting a record of 13-15-0-0. Rochester’s power play ranks 12th in the AHL with an 18.9% success rate. 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 26-12-0 with a 2.75 goals-against average and 0.913 save percentage. He currently ranks third in the AHL with 26 wins and also has appeared in two games with the Florida Panthers this season. Salak has started 17 of the past 23 games for the Americans. Forward Jamie Johnson paces the Amerks and ranks seventh in the AHL with 60 points (23 goals, 37 assists). Defenceman Clay Wilson ranks third (tie) in the league in power play assists with 20. Wilson ranks second amongst all defencemen in the AHL with 45 points (11 goals, 34 assists) and is also on a three-game point streak. Toronto native, Kenndal McArdle was named the 2008-09 Connors & Ferris Comeback Player of the Year.

(March 7): Toronto ends their three-game week on Sunday afternoon when they take on the Hartford Wolf Pack, AHL affiliate of the New York Rangers at 4:00 p.m. This will be the second and final meeting between the two clubs this season. The Wolf Pack dropped the Marlies 6-1 on December 18 in Hartford in the first meeting this season. Last year the Marlies went 1-1-0-0 against the Wolf Pack, with both teams winning at home. Toronto owns a 2-2-1 all-time record against Hartford. The Wolf Pack currently ranks seventh in the Atlantic Division with a 26-27-5-4 for 61 points. Hartford holds a record of 10-18-2-2 on the road. The Wolf Pack have had their struggles of late, winning only once over their past 10 games, including four straight losses. Corey Locke paces the club with 68 points (24 goals, 44 assists), with 16 of his goals coming on the man-advantage. Locke ranks third in the league in points and power play goals. He was also named the Reebok/AHL Player of the Month for November. During the month, Locke tallied five goals and 14 assists in 13 games. Rangers rookie goalie prospect Chad Johnson has appeared in 32 games with the Pack this season, compiling a record of 14-13-2 with a 2.49 goals-against average and 0.913 save percentage. Johnson has played in five games with the New York Rangers earlier in the season, going 1-2-1 with a 2.35 goals-against average.

MARLIES HEADLINES:

What Happened Last Week: The Marlies went 1-2-0-0 in their three games last week, with their win coming against the top-ranked team in the AHL. They opened up their week on Wednesday night with a 3-1 loss to the Bulldogs in Hamilton. Greg Scott had the lone Marlie goal and James Reimer made 31 saves on 33 shots. Toronto extended their home winning streak to four games on Thursday night with a 3-2 win over the Hershey Bears. Kyle Calder scored twice and Joey MacDonald kicked out 28 saves to preserve the victory. On Sunday in Hamilton, the Marlies dropped a 5-1 decision, with Tim Brent scoring the goal for Toronto. The Marlies are currently in sixth place in the North Division with a 24-28-5-5 record for 58 points and sit eight points out of the final playoff spot in the division.

Home Sweet Home: The Marlies have played their best hockey on home ice this season, holding a 17-8-3-2 advantage at Ricoh Coliseum. With their 3-2 win over the Bears on Thursday, the Marlies have earned at least a point in 10 of their past 13 home contests and have won four in a row at Ricoh Coliseum. They greeted their season-high crowd of 7,084 with a 4-3 win over Hamilton on January 23 after their season-high, eight-game road trip. The Marlies have scored a power play goal in each of their past six home games, going 7-for-28 during that span (25.0%). Toronto plays their next three games at home before hitting the road for three straight.

Another Brick in the Wall: James 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. Reimer’s shutout was the team’s first shutout since October 30 when Joey MacDonald didn’t allow a goal against Adirondack. Reimer has guided the Marlies to at least a point in nine of his past 11 starts (7-2-1). Over his past 11 starts, he’s recorded a 0.939 save percentage and 1.95 goals-against average. In 13 games this season, Reimer has a record of 8-3-1 with a 2.20 goals-against average and 0.930 save percentage.

We’re Going Streaking: Kyle Calder had his Marlies season-high seven-game point streak snapped last Wednesday night in Hamilton. The following night against Hershey, Calder scored two goals and was the game’s first star. During his streak, which started on February 9 at Abbotsford, Calder recorded four goals and four assists. Calder has tallied a point in 13 of his past 18 contests (seven goals, nine assists).

Putting Up Points: Since joining the Marlies line-up on January 22 in Grand Rapids, Tim Brent has posted a point in 11 of his 16 games (seven goals, seven assists). On Sunday evening, Brent was the lone Marlie to score in the club’s 5-1 loss in Hamilton. Greg Scott registered his ninth goal of the season last Wednesday night in Hamilton and has now registered a point in 12 of his past 20 games, recording seven goals and eight assists during that span. Scott has four points (one goal, three assists) over his past six games.

Keeping It Close: The Marlies have a very impressive record this season when the game is decided by one goal, marking a record of 16-1-5-5. 16 of their 24 victories this season have come in one-goal contests. Christian Hanson and Troy Bodie share the club lead with three game-winning tallies. The Marlies own a 16-0-2-2 record when taking the lead into the third period. Toronto holds a 15-7-5 record when scoring the game’s opening goal and are 19-6-6 when they score three or more goals in a game.

Multi-Point Games: The Marlies had three players notch multi-point games last week. Kyle Calder, Josh Engel and Christian Hanson each collected two-point games last Thursday night against the Bears. Christian Hanson paces the club with nine multi-point games this season.

Multi-Point Games

1. Hanson 9
2. Stalberg 8
3. Deveaux 5
4. Scott 4
Calder 4
Brent 4

In the Community: The Marlies will be participating in their fifth of six community practices on Thursday night when they travel to the Centennial Arena in Scarborough, Ontario. The team will hit the ice at 7:00 p.m. for an hour long practice and then will have a full team autograph signing afterwards.

Reading Report: The Toronto Maple Leafs ECHL affiliate, the Reading Royals currently rank second in the East Division with a 27-24-1-3 record for 54 points. The Royals have won two of their past three games, including a 4-3 win over the Johnstown Chiefs on Sunday. Robert Slaney recorded two assists and Stefano Giliati had one helper in the Royals’ victory over the Chiefs. Giliati scored two goals last Friday night in Reading’s 5-4 win over Wheeling. In 30 games this season with the Royals, Giliati has recorded 26 points (12 goals, 14 assists). Slaney has registered six assists in 12 games with Reading to go along with six penalty minutes.

MARLIES QUICK HITS:

– Christian Hanson and Viktor Stalberg were both recalled by the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday. Stalberg ranks first (tie) on the Marlies in points with 33; while Hanson ranks third with 31.

– Andre Deveaux currently leads the team in goals (14), power play goals (five) and penalty minutes (174) and is tied for first with 33 points.

– Defencemen Brendan Mikkelson was loaned back to the Marlies on Tuesday morning.

– Toronto has won six of their past seven games when they’ve out-shot their opponent.

– The Marlies have picked up at least a point in 11 of their past 19 games (8-8-0-3).

– Brennan Evans’ 166 penalty minutes currently ranks second in the AHL for defencemen and 10th overall.

Reebok/AHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK NOMINEE

For the week ending February 28, 2010, the Toronto Marlies nominated forward Kyle Calder for consideration as the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week. Calder notched two goals this past week in three games. On Thursday night in Toronto, Calder recorded two goals, including the game-winning in the Marlies 3-2 win over the Hershey Bears. He had his Marlies season high seven game point streak snapped on Wednesday night in Hamilton.

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:

Wednesday, March 3 vs. Chicago Wolves – School Day Game at 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, March 6 vs. Rochester Americans – South Asian Cultural Day

MARLIES RECAP:

Wednesday, February 24 at Hamilton Bulldogs

Pacioretty’s Three-Point Night Ignites Bulldogs Past the Marlies
Marlies Goal: Scott (9)
Bulldogs Goals: Pacioretty (2), White (13), Maxwell (13)
Three Stars: 1. Pacioretty (HAM), 2. Sanford (HAM), 3. Scott (TOR)

Recap: The Marlies had their three game winning streak snapped on Wednesday night by the Bulldogs in Hamilton. After the teams skated to a scoreless first period, Max Pacioretty put the Bulldogs on the board early in the second frame. Greg Scott responded to tie the game at 1-1 with his ninth of the season. Viktor Stalberg and Ryan Stokes both picked up assists on Scott’s wrist shot goal. Ryan White made it 2-1 late in the second period. The Bulldogs tacked on an empty net goal to close out the game. Kyle Calder had his seven-game point streak snapped. James Reimer made 31 saves in the loss.

Thursday, February 25 vs. Hershey Bears

Calder’s Two Goals Propels Marlies Past Bears
Marlies Goals: Calder 2 (8), Mikus (4)
Bears Goals: Joudrey (11), Pinizzotto (9)
Three Stars: 1. Calder (TOR), 2. MacDonald (TOR), 3. Pinizzotto (HER)

Recap: Kyle Calder’s two-goal night helped pave the Marlies to their fourth straight home victory on Thursday night. Hershey opened the scoring just a minute into the game, but Calder’s first goal of the night eight minutes later tied the contest at 1-1. Juraj Mikus scored his fourth of the season on a Marlies power play to make it 2-1. Josh Engel picked up his second assist of the night on Mikus’ goal. Calder put Toronto in front by two goals, five minute into the third period. The Bears cut the lead late in the third period, but Joey MacDonald stood tall in the final minutes to preserve the win. Christian Hanson finished the game with two assists. MacDonald made 28 saves and was named the game’s second star.

Sunday, February 28 at Hamilton Bulldogs

Bulldogs Score Five Unanswered Goals to Drop Marlies 5-1
Marlies Goal: Brent (7)
Bulldogs Goals: Maxwell (16), Glumac (14), Subban (13), Desharnais (20), White (14)
Three Stars: 1. Subban (HAM), 2. Desharnais (HAM), 3. Glumac (HAM)

Recap: The Marlies were dropped by the Bulldogs in Hamilton for the second time in five days on Sunday by a 5-1 score. Tim Brent stole a loose puck from the Bulldogs in the first period and scored his seventh of the season to put Toronto on the board first. After that it was all Hamilton as they went on to tally five unanswered goals. Three of the Bulldogs’ five goals were scored on the power play. Joey MacDonald made 20 saves in the loss.

COMING THIS WEEK BOX OFFICE REPORT

Wed., Mar. 3 Chicago Wolves at Toronto Marlies 11:00 am Ricoh Coliseum TICKETS 416-597-7825
Sat., Mar. 6 Rochester Americans at Toronto Marlies 4:00 pm Ricoh Coliseum TICKETS 416-597-7825
Sun., Mar. 7 Hartford Wolf Pack 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.