Patrick WilliamsTheAHL.com Features Writer
The Toronto Marris have wreaked more havoc since they last skated at Coca-Cola Arena.
On June 5, they defeated the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, leading the series 3-2. From there, they hit the road, defeating the Penguins in overtime in Game 6, then headed to Chicago to take the first two games of the Calder Cup Finals.
If the Marlies achieve their goals this week, they won’t look back.
Back in front of their home fans for the first time in 11 days, the Marlies hope to win tonight’s Game 3 (7 p.m. ET,
FloHockey 24/7, Sportsnet 360, NHL Network, NHL Network Radio).
Toronto has won six straight on the road and is 9-3 in the playoffs. However, ice is less abundant in the country. They are just 5-4 in nine home games this postseason. But the Marises proved remarkably resilient. The team was mediocre in the regular season, finishing fourth in the North Division, but has shown the ability to make a comeback against the AHL’s top competition.
These Marys just don’t give up.
They erased two of Chicago’s leads in Game 1 on Friday night. They did it twice more in Sunday’s second game. When the Wolves fought back, they scored with 16.7 seconds left in regulation to send the game into overtime. captain marris Logan Shaw At 3 minutes and 46 seconds of overtime, they won 5-4 and took control of the home court in this series. Toronto’s top line Bo Glucks and Vinny Lettieri Has been dominant, scoring a combined 12 points in the series.
But now there may be pushback from Chicago. The Wolves have had their share of success this postseason, beating the Texas Stars, defeating the powerhouse Grand Rapids Griffins, and then taking Games 6 and 7 in Colorado to take on Toronto. The Marris have been in that situation against the Penguins, picking up two wins in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, but the Penguins have won two of three games in Toronto.
Marris see some reaction from Chicago at start of Game 2 Charles Alexis LegaultA goal at 1 minute and 53 seconds put them behind. head coach John Gruden This problem was later solved.
“They’re ready to go and it’s not like we’re not ready,” Gruden said. “A team has their backs against the wall and you’re on their home court and they’re going to have some resistance right away when they start the game.”
However, Mali fought back with Groulx’s first goal, falling behind again and finishing with Alex NylanderThe penalty kick was scored, rewriting the score to 2-2. Wolves aren’t gone, but neither are Marlies.
“Hey, our guys have been through this whole postseason,” Gruden continued. “Didn’t give up. Next man mentality, luckily found a way.”
It’s very busy around the Toronto Exhibition Center these days. Tonight — and possibly Thursday and Friday if necessary — at Coca-Cola Stadium, standing room only. The 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place next door at the BMO Stadium on Wednesday and Saturday.
Although this is not a regular season game and the Wolves are no ordinary opponent, the Mali team cannot be overwhelmed by this moment.
“We’re just going to go out there and be the best version of ourselves,” Gruden stressed. “We don’t have to put on a show. We don’t have to do anything spectacular. We just have to rely on each other again to help us get through these times because it’s an exciting time. Everybody should want to play in these moments.”
About two decades in the American Hockey League, TheAHL.com feature writer Patrick Williams also currently covers the league for NHL.com and FloSports and is a regular contributor to SiriusXM NHL Network Radio. In 2016, he received the AHL’s James H. Ellery Memorial Award for outstanding coverage of the league.
