The Marlies came out strong for 45 minutes and it looked like there was going to be a game 6 or even 7 next week. Then at 5:39 in the third with the score tied 2:2, Chicago enforcer Andre Deveaux got 15 minutes for kneeing and a game misconduct to boot. Surprisingly this turned out to be the key play of the game, a penalty and the teamwork of the PK. The emotions of a game usually turn on a fight or a big hit but last night it was a 15 minute PK that held the Marlies that turned the tide. Not only did they fail to score on this opportunity but the game turned. At 14:52 Wolves Captain Daryn Haydar bagged the bird and the fourth into an empty net by Kevin Doell at 19:18 sealed the deal. The Marlies after coming back in game four are sleeping late and arranging for tomorrows tee times. At this level it happens quickly, that's why they call a series stacked 3:1 sudden death.
For the stats hungry among you, Terry Koharski called 22 min/11 inf on Toronto, Chicago 13 min/10 inf. Justin Pogge in goal for TO turned away 10/22, Ondrej Pavelec caught 23/25 for the night. Toronto goals were scored by Brent Aubin and Andy Woznieski.
As I have said before the difficult thing about sport at this level is that in the end somebody has to go home. Thank you to the Marlies for a great effort and leaving it all on the ice.
For my friends in Belfast, a few Pogge shots to keep you going till the Maple Leafs drop the puck this October...
Bring on game one! Is it game time yet?
Powderhornhockey
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