Frattin gets the lone Toronto goal
May 1: Marlies 1 vs. Abbotsford 3
Marlies scorers: Frattin (2)
Heat scorers: Reinhart (1), Breen (1), Desbiens (1)
Links: Box Score | Discussion boards
Forward lines:: Hamilton-Zigomanis-Kadri, Colborne-D’Amigo-Frattin, D’Amigo-Dupuis-Deschamps, Rosehill-Acton-Scott
Defence pairings: Blacker-Gardiner, Fraser-Holzer, Mikus-Gysbers
Goaltenders: Scrivens (Loss 58:32 minutes played, 26 saves, 2 GA), Rynnas (0:00), (empty net, 1 GA).
Recap:
After a slow start, a third period burst of energy wasn’t enough for the Marlies to salvage the first game of their Western Conference semi-final against the Abbotsford Heat.
Toronto seemed to have few answers in solving Heat goalie Danny Taylor, eventually dropping a 3-1 decision at Ricoh Coliseum.
Taylor was named the game’s first star making 31 saves, and was particularly sharp on the Heat’s penalty-kill, stopping Marlies captain Ryan Hamilton from capitalizing.
Toronto trailed 1-0 after the first period in which they were outshot 12-5. Max Reinhart, son of NHL alumnus Paul Reinhart, opened the game’s scoring after a turnover by Jesse Blacker. The Marlies were more prepared to start the second period, but the only goal of the middle frame came off a point shot by Heat blueliner Chris Breen.
Matt Frattin finally got the Marlies on the scoreboard by tipping a pass from linemate Joe Colborne just enough to squeak through the five-hole of Taylor. Despite outshooting Abbotsford 15-5 in the final twenty minutes, Toronto could not get the equalizer, giving up the final goal to Guillaume Desbiens with goalie Ben Scrivens on the bench.
