Michael Pezzetta scores in OT, Marlies take commanding 2-0 series lead in AHL’s Eastern Conference Finals

The Toronto Marlies have taken a stranglehold of the American Hockey League’s Eastern Conference Finals.

Toronto defeated Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins 2-1 in overtime in Game 2, holding a 2-0 series lead as the series shifts back to Toronto for Game 3. With 5:07 remaining in overtime, the Marlies’ fourth line struck, recording the game-winning goal for the second straight contest. Michael Pezzetta played hero, recording his third goal of the playoffs, and second in as many games.

Marlies defenceman William Villeneuve picked up the puck at his own blue line and found Vinni Lettieri in the neutral zone as Toronto looked to attack the Penguins’ defenders. Lettieri had the puck knocked off his stick as he crossed the blue line, but was able to get it over to Pezzetta. With little time and space, Pezzetta lofted the puck towards Penguins goaltender Sergei Murashov.

As the games continue to get tougher, the Marlies’ fourth line continues to improve. Pezzetta has three goals and one assist, Johnstone has three assists, and Reese Johnson has one goal. Speaking to the media following the Game 2 victory, Marlies head coach John Gruden touched on what that line brings to his group.

“You look at playoffs with any team that continues to have success, the top lines neutralize themselves, and it’s always someone stepping up. We got four lines that can all play the game, and we use all of them,” Gruden said. “The way they’ve been playing and setting the tone for our group, good for him. He’s [Pezzetta] a big part of where we’re at right now, and probably wouldn’t bet that he’d have the two game-winners, but I’m glad he did. He deserves it.”

The Marlies opened the scoring on the power play with 1:39 to go in the first period. Alex Nylander picked up his fourth goal of the postseason, burying a cross-ice pass from Luke Haymes. Over 15 playoff games, Haymes has picked up one goal and six assists after a 33-point regular season.

Haymes has put together a solid playoff run for the Marlies after making his NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 9 during a 5-3 loss against the New York Islanders. The 22-year-old recorded his first NHL point in his debut and finished with a minus-two rating over his brief stint at the game’s highest level.

Artur Akhtyamov was once again brilliant, stopping 33 shots en route to his ninth win during these playoffs. The Maple Leafs’ 2020 fourth-round draft pick was signed to a three-year, $2.7 million contract extension on March 15 and is looking like he could be the future goaltender in the Maple Leafs’ crease in the years to come.

The Marlies were able to survive Friday night’s contest without star forward Easton Cowan. The 21-year-old was held out of the lineup with what could be fatigue. Troy Androckitis of the AHL’s Professional Hockey Players’ Association stated that while speaking to the 2023 first-round draft pick prior to the series, Cowan admitted to dealing with fatigue as his first professional season nears a close. Gruden spoke about what Cowan has been going through.

“He had an upper body. He’s been dealing with something, so it’s a maintenance thing. We just want to make sure number one that he’s healthy, and he’s ok moving forward, but if it’s something minor, he’ll take care of it, and if he’s ready, he’s ready,” Gruden said. “ If he’s not, he won’t go until he is ready.”

After recording 29 points over 66 games with the Maple Leafs, Cowan joined the Marlies for their playoff run and has been a big factor in their success. In 14 playoff games, Cowan had picked up nine points, including the series-clinching goal in the North Division Finals against the Cleveland Monsters.

Game 3 is on Monday, June 1, at Coca-Cola Coliseum. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. EST.

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