Marlies thumped by Syracuse in series opener

The Toronto Marlies were dominated 5-1 by the Syracuse Crunch in the opening game of the North Division Final on Friday night.  Before the game, the video screens at Ricoh Coliseum showed a clip of Paul Newman's "Slap Shot" character Reggie Dunlop wanting to beat "those punks from Syracuse", but it was the visitors who had the last laugh, jumping out to a quick 1-0 lead by the 1:40 mark of the first period.

The Marlies penalty kill, ranked first overall in the regular season, surrendered two goals on five opportunities.  "We took too many penalties once again," observed forward Kris Newbury.  " Against a team like that who works hard and creates chances...eventually they're going to capitalize."

Meanwhile David Ling was the only Toronto player to solve Crunch goalie Karl Goehring. 

"I don't think we prepared well enough for the game," said Ling after the game.  "I think we watched them take the play to us, and we gave up the puck in good spots.  We got away from our game."

Game #2 of the series is on Sunday at Ricoh Coliseum.

Forward lines: Murphy-Mitchell-Ondrus, Leveille-Foster-Ling, Tlusty-Newbury-Battaglia, Aubin/Rogers Goaltenders: Clemmensen (L 60:00, 17 SV, 5 GA), Pogge (0:00)

Links: Game Summary | Event Summary | Game Day Thread