The Toronto Marlies have won four straight since falling 2-1 to Cleveland in the conference finals, and will do so tonight (7 p.m. ET, 
) Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Michael Pezzetta (3-1-4) scored game-winning goals in each of the first two games of the series, with 1:36 left in regulation in Game 1 and 14:53 into overtime in Game 2.
“We performed well on the road and were in a good position here,” Marris rookie guard Noah Chadwick said after practice on Sunday. “It means a lot to us now to have fans and the energy in our own building.”
exist John GrudenIn three seasons as head coach, Toronto has not lost a game in Wilkes-Barre (5-0). But they have yet to beat the Penguins (0-3) at home. The Pens’ away record in the regular season is 25 wins, 7 draws, 3 draws and 1 loss, the best away record in the team’s 27-year history, and they have won three of four road games in the playoffs.
“We’re going to do the best we can,” Gruden said Sunday. “Make sure we play like we did in Wilkes-Barre and give ourselves the best chance.”
defensive player William Villeneuve (2-11-13) assisted on the overtime winner in Game 2, extending his point streak to four games. In the playoffs this season, the Marlies are 10-0 when Villeneuve scores and 0-5 when he doesn’t.
“It’s two one-shot games. We’re going to go out there and try to win the next one-shot game,” Penguins head coach Kirk McDonald said after Friday’s loss. “If you play at this time of year, every game is going to be like this. I have full confidence in the players.”
