2/9: Marlies This Week
Kadri stands 15th in AHL rookie scoring despite playing only 25 games for the Marlies so far this season.
As the Marlies get set for early puck drop against the Connecticut Wales at the Ricoh (11 a.m. EST), here is your weekly release:
“Last Week:
The Marlies won their lone game last week, 3-1 against the Americans in Rochester on Saturday night. Jonas Gustavsson made his AHL debut on Saturday night and made 24 saves on 25 shots, earning first star honours. Nazem Kadri opened the scoring for Toronto with his ninth goal of the season in the first period.
Matt Lashoff added to the Marlies lead with a power play goal early in the second period. Simon Gysbers collected his second assist of the night on Lashoff’s seventh goal of the year. The Amerks made it a one goal game, but Fabian Brunnstrom scored late in the game to make it 3-1.
Earlier in the week, Keith Aulie represented the Marlies at the AHL All-Star Classic in Hershey, PA. He registered an assist in his team’s loss to the Eastern Conference.
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Notes:
- Toronto’s penalty killing unit has been solid through their first 51 games this season, ranking second in the AHL with an 87.1% success rate. The Marlies haven’t allowed a power play goal in eight straight games, killing off 29 straight penalties. They’ve allowed only four power play goals over their past 16 games (64-for-69).
- The Marlies won their 15th road game of the season on Saturday night in Rochester. The 15 road victories rank first in their division and second (tie) in the Western Conference.
- Jonas Gustavsson made his AHL debut on Saturday and turned aside 24 saves to earn his first career AHL victory. He was also named the game’s first star.
- Simon Gysbers has notched eight points (one goal, seven assists) over his past five games. Gysbers posted two assists on Saturday night. He ranks second on the team with seven power play assists.
- Justin Hodgman was reassigned to the Reading Royals on Tuesday morning. Hodgman has potted 21 points (eight goals, 13 assists) in 31 games this season with the Marlies.
- The Marlies are currently 18-0-3 when leading after 40 minutes.
- Mike Zigomanis has notched points in seven of the past 10 games, recording three goals and six assists during that span.
- Matt Lashoff scored his first game-winning goal of the season on Saturday night in Rochester in the Marlies 3-1 win.
- Nazem Kadri moved back into the rookie scoring race this past weekend. Kadri’s 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists) currently ranks him 15th in the AHL in rookie scoring, despite only playing in 25 games with the Marlies.
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Upcoming Opponents:
The Marlies host the Connecticut Whale on Wednesday morning at 11:00 a.m. at Ricoh Coliseum. It will be the second and final matchup between the two clubs this season.
Jussi Rynnas made 33 saves for the shutout in a 4-0 victory over Connecticut on November 9. Mike Zigomanis chipped in with a goal and a helper; while Nazem Kadri added two assists. The Marlies power play struck twice on five attempts.
Toronto travels to the west coast for a pair of games this weekend against the Abbotsford Heat on Friday and Saturday. Only two points separate the clubs in the North Division standings. The Marlies hold a 3-2-0 advantage against the Heat through the first five meetings. Toronto dropped the Heat 3-2 in a shootout in their last matchup on January 16. Mike Zigomanis recorded a goal and an assist in the victory.
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Reading Report:
The Reading Royals currently rank first in the Atlantic division with a record of 29-12-2-3. The Royals defeated the Trenton Devils on Sunday, 4-3. Ben Scrivens made 41 saves for the win. Scrivens holds a record of 10-3-0 with a 2.23 goals against average and 0.938 save percentage with the Royals.”
