Toronto Maple Leafs: Rasmus Sandin thrives for Marlies in Game 1
After an impressive debut in his first season with the Toronto Marlies, Toronto Maple Leafs top prospect Rasmus Sandin continued that with a strong debut in the AHL playoffs.
While most Toronto Maple Leafs fans were celebrating a big win in Game 5 over the Boston Bruins, Rasmus Sandin was thriving in his first Calder Cup playoff game with the Toronto Marlies.
The 29th overall pick from the 2018 draft collected three assists in the Marlies’ 4-1 win on the road against the Rochester Americans to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series. Chris Mueller scored twice while Nicholas Baptiste and Adam Brooks also scored for Toronto.
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According to Leo Roth of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester has struggled in the post-season against the Marlies. Toronto is 7-0 all-time in the playoffs against the Amerks outscoring them 26-12.
What’s different about this year’s Marlies is how many players have graduated to the Leafs putting the young crop of players into the spotlight. Sandin and Timothy Liljegren have been asked to take a bigger role and give them credit because they have shown that they can handle it.
After a dominant offensive season with 22 goals, 57 assists and 79 points in 75 games, Jeremy Bracco had an assist in Game 1 while Mueller continues to show why he was voted to the AHL All-Star team with three points.
WATCH: Mueller tips it in front to put the #Marlies up 2-0. #BackForMore | #MarliesLive pic.twitter.com/X1rdifhZCk
— Toronto Marlies (@TorontoMarlies) April 20, 2019
In goal, Kasimir Kaskisuo was off to a great start making 29 saves on 30 shots which is important for the Marlies since Michael Hutchinson is up with the Leafs.
The 26-year-old should be looking to prove he can handle the starting job after a rough regular season for where he had a 3.07 GAA and a .896 sv%. in 20 games. Looking back on his only Calder Cup Playoff run, Kaskisuo left a lot to be desired with a 2.66 GAA and a .892 sv% in 10 games.
Next. Brazeau provides Marlies another weapon ahead of playoffs. dark
While there wasn’t an expectation to see Toronto challenge for a repeat championship, there is a lot to be encouraged with after Game 1.