4/4: Marlies This Week

by Alec Brownscombe on April 4, 2012 in Toronto Marlies - 155 Comments

Courtesy of the Marlies:

“The Toronto Marlies have clinched the Sam Pollock Trophy, which is handed out annually to the North Division’s top team during the regular season. Last night, they became the fourth team in the AHL to clinch their division. The Marlies also won the Sam Pollock Trophy in 2007-08, making it to the Western Conference Finals that year before losing to the eventual Calder Cup champion, Chicago Wolves.

The Marlies currently sit second in the AHL’s Western Conference with 89 points and own a 41-23-4-3 record. Over their past 10 games the Marlies have posted a record of 8-2-0-0 and are on a three-game winning streak. They trail only the Oklahoma City Barons, AHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers, by six points for first place overall in the Conference.

The Marlies success this season has not been limited to the action on the ice. The home attendance at Ricoh Coliseum is averaging more than 5,400 fans per game, which is up 22-percent from last season. Toronto owns a record of 22-10-3-1 on home ice this season. Their 22 home victories rank first in the Western Conference and is tied for second in the league.

“Our fans are the best in the American Hockey League and we look forward to their continued support through a long playoff run,” said Marlies captain, Ryan Hamilton. “It’s a big advantage to our team when we play at Ricoh Coliseum and we’ve fed off their support all season long.”

The Marlies won three divisional games last week. Toronto won 5-4 in overtime on Friday night, behind Nazem Kadri’s two-point evening. Mike Zigomanis’s overtime goal propelled them past the Amerks. Zigomanis’ tally was his sixth game-winner of the season. Ben Scrivens made 33 saves for the win.

The following night, the Marlies won 1-0 over the Americans. Nazem Kadri’s goal mid-way through the first held up to be the game winner and he was also named the game’s second star. Mark Owuya was named the game’s first star, making 27 saves for the shutout.

On Sunday, the Marlies dropped the Grand Rapids Griffins 4-2. The Marlies rallied from a two goal deficit scoring four unanswered goals. Philippe Dupuis scored two goals in the contest and was named the game’s first star. Nazem Kadri and Greg Scott chipped in with a goal each.

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Notes:

- The Marlies are currently first in the North Division and second in the Western Conference with a record of 41-23-4-3 for 89 points.

- The Marlies penalty killing unit ranks first overall in the AHL with an 87.9% success rate.

- The Marlies are 27-0-1-1 when leading after 40 minutes.

- Ben Scrivens has posted a record of 21-14-1-4 with a 2.07 goals against average which currently ranks first in the AHL. He was also named the Reebok/AHL Goaltender of the Month for March.

- Nazem Kadri has registered five points (four goals, one assist) in his past four games.

- Joe Colborne has been called up by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

- Mike Zigomanis ranks sixth in the AHL with 42 assists and is tied for sixth in game winning goals (six). He is eighth (tie) in power play assists (19), and eighth (tie) in the AHL in points.

- Ryan Hamilton leads all Marlies skaters with 23 goals. He ranks second on the Marlies all-time list with 62 career goals with the club.

- Since being reassigned to the Marlies, Philippe Dupuis has registered 28 points (12 goals, 16 assists) in 37 games.

- Greg Scott scored his 20th goal of the season on Sunday, doubling his previous career-highs.

- The Marlies final home game on Sunday, April 8th is Fan Appreciation Day. Giveaways include hats, foam fingers and much more.

- The Marlies will conclude their 2011-12 season with two games on the road against the Abbotsford Heat.

- For ticket information, including 2012 Calder Cup Playoff tickets, visit marlies.ca or call the team’s ticket line at 416-597-PUCK (7825).

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Upcoming Opponents:

This week the Marlies will play a home-and-home series against the Grand Rapids Griffins. The first meeting will be in Grand Rapids on Friday at 7:00 pm. The Marlies will return to Ricoh Coliseum on Saturday for a 3:00 p.m. start. Toronto won the last meeting 4-2 on April 1. The Griffins have won five of their last 10 games. Jamie Johnson leads all Griffins skaters with 55 points (20 goals, 35 assists). Joey McDonald is fourth (tied) in the AHL with three shutouts.

Toronto will play their final regular season home game on Sunday March 8th against their QEW rival the Hamilton Bulldogs. This is the 12th and final meeting between these two clubs. Toronto holds a 7-4-0-0 advantage over the Bulldogs. The Marlies defeated the Bulldogs 2-1 in overtime the last time they met at Ricoh Coliseum. Brian Willsie paces all Bulldog skaters with 40 points (16 goals, 24 assists). Nathan Lawson ranks second (tied) in the league in shutouts.

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Reading Report:

The Reading Royals rank eighth in the Eastern Conference and will play the Elmira Jackals in the first round of the playoffs. Mark Owuya has posted a 16-5-3 record with a 2.63 goals against average and a 0.930 save percentage.”

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