The Toronto Marlies are now just one win away from reaching the AHL's Calder Cup final after a decisive 5-1 victory over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference final on Friday night at Coca-Cola Coliseum.
Cowan Delivers Redemption
Easton Cowan, who had a costly giveaway in Game 4 that allowed the Penguins to tie the series, bounced back in a big way. With the Marlies holding a slim one-goal lead in the third period, Cowan executed a beautiful toe drag on defenceman Chase Pietila before snapping a shot through the five-hole of goaltender Sergei Murashov. That goal provided crucial insurance and sent the home crowd of 8,000 into a frenzy.
Cowan also added an assist earlier in the game, showing the resilience that has made him a key player for Toronto throughout the postseason.
Akhtyamov Stands Tall
Goaltender Artur Akhtyamov was a major factor in the win, rebounding from two subpar outings at home. After allowing four goals in each of the previous two games at Coca-Cola Coliseum, the Russian netminder was sharp on Friday, stopping 28 of 29 shots. He made several key saves, including a remarkable pad stop on Atley Calvert's screened shot in the second period. Akhtyamov has now allowed three goals or fewer in 13 of his 14 playoff starts, keeping his name in the conversation for a potential role with the Toronto Maple Leafs next season.
Game Recap
The Penguins opened the scoring in the second period on a goal by Mikhail Ilyin, but the Marlies responded quickly. Landon Sim tipped a point shot from Ben Danford past Murashov to tie the game. Danford, Toronto's first-round pick from last year, continues to impress with his offensive contributions from the blue line.
Later in the period, Cowan set up Bo Groulx for a goal from a sharp angle to give the Marlies a lead they would not relinquish. Vinni Lettieri, William Villeneuve, and captain Logan Shaw remain among the AHL playoff scoring leaders, with Villeneuve's assist tying a Marlies record for most postseason assists by a defenceman. Marshall Rifai added an empty-net goal to seal the win.
Series Outlook
Game 6 is scheduled for Sunday at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The Marlies have two chances to close out the series and advance to the Calder Cup final, where they would face the winner of the Western Conference final between the Colorado Eagles and Chicago Wolves.
The Marlies have defied the trend of home-ice disadvantage in this series, as the visiting team had won 11 consecutive meetings between these clubs dating back to December 2022. Toronto will look to continue that pattern and punch their ticket to the championship round.
