Toronto Marlies: Round 2 Series Preview Versus the Syracuse Crunch

With the Toronto Marlies moving onto the second round of the AHL playoffs, the stakes get tougher, especially for players looking to impress the Leafs’ front office.

The Toronto Marlies will look to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second time in the last three years, as they take on the Syracuse Crunch in round two. In eight games against the Tampa Bay Lightning’s affiliate, the Marlies had a 5-2-1 record, but only a 25-23 edge in scoring.

The Crunch finished the regular season atop the North Division with a 38-24-7-7 record, which was good for 90 points. The Marlies finished right behind them with 89 points, after posting a 42-29-4-1 record.

The Marlies come into this series with a lot to prove, after they were unable to make it to the Calder Cup Finals last season with one of its better rosters. This included; William Nylander, Connor Brown, Zach Hyman and Nikita Soshnikov.

Kasperi Kapanen and Brendan Leipsic were also on that team, but were not the main focus of the roster like they are this season.  Both had strong performances in the regular season, but missed time with injuries.

Kapanen was called up by the Leafs at the end of the season to gain valuable experience. Once he returned to the Marlies’ round one series, he had two points in his first game but left in the second game, after taking a hit to the head.

Kapanen played 43 games this season and was a point-per-game player, scoring 18 goals and 25 assists for 43 points. In six playoff games with the Leafs he had two goals, including the overtime winner in Game 2.

Leipsic stepped up in the playoffs scoring two goals, adding an assist and posting a team-high in shots with 16 in round one. He had 51 points in 49 games with the Marlies, including seven points in give games against the Crunch this season.

These playoffs will be important for Leipsic. He is trying to put himself in the conversation with the Leafs’ roster for next season.

Justin Holl led the Marlies with six points in round one. Despite only scoring one goal, it was the game winner in the third overtime of Game 4.

Travis Dermott had a strong performance in round one, which is not something that should surprise people. In the OHL with the Erie Otters, he had 36 points in 47 playoff games.

Some are saying Dermott could be in the conversation for the Leafs next season. If he continues to play well in the playoffs, it will add to the growing hype for the 20-year old prospect.

Kerby Rychel and Frederik Gauthier have shared similar paths to the NHL – both were impact players in juniors and have played a significant amount of time in the AHL. They have also had stints in the NHL, but are still trying to find a way to get there on a permanent basis.

Rychel led the Marlies in scoring with 52 points in 73 games, and has three points in four games in the playoffs so far. He had six in 17 games with the Lake Erie Monsters, who won the Calder Cup last season.

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Rychel has the experience the Marlies need going forward, but can he step up and be a consistent contributor? With uncertainty about his NHL future, this AHL playoff run could answer that question.

Gauthier has played on the big stage before, in the Memorial Cup and with Team Canada at the World Juniors tournament. This season he had 13 points in 46 games with the Marlies and three points in 21 games with the Leafs.

Marlies’ coach Dallas Eakins has Gauthier on a line with Kapanen and Leipsic. He has put up four points in four games, while also providing a strong physical game.

If the Marlies want to move onto the next round players, like Kapanen, Leipsic, Holl, Dermott and Rychel will have to continue their strong offensive play. Kasimir Kaskisuo was terrific in round one, replacing the injured Garret Sparks with a 0.96 GAA and a .952 save percentage.

The Crunch will look for Erik Condra, Tye McGinn, Matt Taormina and Matthew Peca to lead them offensively. Former Marlies forward, Byron Froese will try to stick it to his old team after being traded to the Lightning as a part of the Brian Boyle trade. Mike McKenna had a strong round one performance against the St John’s Ice Caps, with a 1.77 GAA and a .932 save percentage.

Next: Marlies Eliminate Devils, Advance to Round 2

The Marlies should have the advantage against the Crunch, given their success in the regular season. Kaskisuo will be the X-factor, given his limited experience at the professional level, but he has shown no signs of being intimidated by the big stage.