Toronto Marlies Lose 3-1 in Series Opener Versus the Syracuse Crunch
In the first game of the Eastern semifinal the Toronto Marlies were unable to capitalize on a quick goal to start the game.
Despite scoring the first goal of the game under two minutes in, the Toronto Marlies lose game one to the Syracuse Crunch 3-1. Andreas Johnsson got the opening goal as he found a loose puck in front of the net after Andrew Nielsen’s shot from the point was block and put it in with a backhander. It was Johnsson’s second goal of the playoffs and the first point this postseason for Nielsen and Trevor Moore who collected assists on the play.
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Despite scoring early in the game, the Marlies were unable to seize momentum as the Crunch came out firing. Syracuse outshot the Marlies 16-6 in the opening frame and tied the game on a powerplay goal. Erik Condra tipped a pass by former Marlies forward Byron Froese in front of the goal which got through Kasimir Kaskisuo. The Marlies got into penalty trouble in the first period taking three penalties including the tripping call by Steve Oleksy which led to the equalizer.
In the second period the Marlies pushed back and earned a 10-6 advantage in shots but were unable to take the lead. Instead it was Froese who gave Syracuse the one goal lead after his shot from the faceoff circle got past Kaskisuo. Yanno Gourde finished the game with an empty net goal giving the Crunch a 1-0 series lead. Froese was named the first start with a goal and an assists while Syracuse goalie Mike McKenna was named the second star making 24 saves on 25 shots and Erik Condra got the third star finishing with a goal and an assist.
Kaskisuo was the Marlies best player of the game saving 26 of 28 shots, many that were quality scoring chances and was the main reason why the team was close all game long.
“We expected more from our group, we were on our heels and we didn’t do the things that we needed to do to let our speed be on display,” said head coach Sheldon Keefe after the game to reporters. “[Kaskisuo] was terrific, game would have been an absolute blowout without him.”
While Nielsen set up the opening goal he struggled at times taking three minor penalties. He was feeling good heading into the second round after earning the trust of head coach Sheldon Keefe and it should not take long for the 20-year old to get his game back on track.
“I think it was a learning opportunity for a lot of our game today, Nielsen took three penalties so maybe a little sign that you are on to round two and competition gets better,” said Keefe about Nielsen’s game. “He is a young. let’s not be too hard on him because there were a lot of passengers today.”
Next: Breaking Down Carl Grundstrom’s Game
Carl Grundstrom was not in the lineup for the series opener but did take part in warm ups after signing a contract with the Leafs. It would not be surprising to see him make his Marlies debut in the second game of the series which takes place on Saturday at 7:00 p.m.