The Toronto Marlies failed to capitalize on home ice advantage Tuesday, falling 4-0 to the Laval Rocket in Game 4 of their American Hockey League playoff series. The loss evens the best-of-five North Division semifinal at two games apiece, setting up a winner-take-all Game 5 on Saturday afternoon at Place Bell in Laval.
Early Deficit Proves Costly
After a convincing 6-2 victory in Game 3 on Sunday at Coca-Cola Coliseum, the Marlies were hoping to close out the series in front of their home fans. Instead, Laval struck just 46 seconds into the first period when Alex Belzile beat goaltender Artur Akhtyamov on a breakaway. The early goal set the tone for the remainder of the contest.
Forward Sammy Blais, who began the season with the Maple Leafs at training camp, broke the game open with two second-period goals. Laurent Dauphin added a shorthanded marker to extend the lead. The Marlies could not solve Laval goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen, who stopped all shots he faced after allowing four goals in Sunday's loss.
Goaltending Changes
Akhtyamov made 22 saves before being replaced by Dennis Hildeby to start the third period. Hildeby allowed one goal in relief and could get the start in Game 5. He previously lost a close game in Laval when an empty-net goal sealed the win for the Rocket in Game 1.
The game ended with several scrums, and Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan was in the penalty box during the final moments. Defenceman Adam Engstrom, who recorded 34 points in 45 games for Laval before being called up as a playoff reserve for the Montreal Canadiens, returned to the lineup for Tuesday's contest.
What's at Stake
The winner of Game 5 will advance to face the Cleveland Monsters in the North Division final. Cleveland swept the Syracuse Crunch in four games, including a triple-overtime victory in the clinching Game 4 on Sunday. The Monsters will be well-rested as they await their opponent.
Game 5 is scheduled for Saturday at 3 p.m. at Place Bell in Laval. The Marlies will need to regroup quickly if they hope to keep their season alive.
