Artur Akhtyamov stops 26 shots, Marlies drop Game 3 to Cleveland

The Toronto Marlies have been pushed to the brink of elimination in the American Hockey League’s North Division Finals.

On Wednesday night, the Cleveland Monsters defeated the Marlies 4-0 and took control of the best-of-5 series. The Monsters were the beating team for the second straight game, outshooting the Marlies 30 to 16, and holding them to only 10 shots through two periods.

The Marlies’ best player on the night was goaltender Artur Akhtyamov, who turned aside 26 shots in the loss. The 24-year-old has been a major part of the Marlies’ playoff run, putting together a 5-3-0 record, a 2.23 goals-against average and 0.918 save percentage.

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ 2020 fourth-round draft pick earned himself both a contract extension and a National Hockey League debut after becoming an American Hockey League All-Star for the first time in his career. Akhtyamov was signed to a three-year, $2.7 million extension on March 15, prior to receiving his first NHL start.

After making his NHL debut on December 13 in relief of Dennis Hildeby during a 6-3 loss, where Akhtyamov stopped all five shots, the netminder was tasked with his first career start on April 9 during a 5-3 loss against the New York Islanders. Akhtyamov stopped 39 of 44 shots in the loss, flashing the athleticism that allowed him to win 21 games with the Marlies this season.

Akhtyamov wound up making one more start with the Maple Leafs during a 6-5 loss against the Dallas Stars on April 13. Akhtyamov stopped 27 shots and wrapped up his NHL season with a 0-2-0 record, 4.76 GAA and 0.877 SV%.

During the North Division Semifinals, following a Game 3 win in which Akhtyamov made 26 saves, Marlies defenceman William Villeneuve spoke about the impact that a goalie like Akhtyamov has on this group.

“He’s one of the best human beings I’ve ever met, and it’s really easy to get out there and play in front of him. He brings a lot of confidence and calmness to our group, and it showed in the past couple games,” Villeneuve said. “He always looks in control technique-wise. He’s been awesome all season, he got rewarded with a great contract, and he’s been even better in the playoffs.”

Monsters forward Owen Sillinger opened the games scoring, pouncing on a loose puck in front of the Marlies net for his first goal of the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs. Luca Del Bel Belluz picked up the lone assist, raising his playoff team lead in points to six.

With 2:40 remaining in the first period, Hudson Fasching finished off a pretty passing play on the power play, recording his third goal of the playoffs. Fasching beat Akhtyamov’s blocker side, giving the Monsters more insurance than they’d need.

Justin Pearson and Mikael Pyyhtiä made sure to leave no doubt, putting an end to any Marlies comeback attempt with back-to-back empty net goals, sending the Marlies’ faithful home with a Game 3 loss.

Game 4 of the series is on Friday, May 22, at Coca-Cola Coliseum. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. EST.

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