Easton Cowan records three points, Marlies even series vs. Rocket at one game apiece
After falling behind 2-0, the Marlies scored six straight goals, getting contributions from many of the players who received opportunities with the Toronto Maple Leafs this season.
Cowan’s goal put the Marlies up 4-2, giving the Marlies some breathing room in the highly contested affair. The 20-year-old picked up the puck in his own end, weaving through all five Laval skaters, before beating Kähkönen with a backhand blocker side. After stating prior to Game 1 that he was going to be better, Cowan backed it up with his three-point effort, exactly the performance many within the Maple Leafs’ organization were hoping for when it was announced Cowan would join the Marlies for their playoff run.
“I feel like there was a little gap, so I just tried to beat them wide, and then I saw his feet a little off, so I just tried to pull it into my feet, and put one on net,” Cowan said post-game to the media about what he saw during his rush prior to his goal. “Luckily, it went in, and it was good to get one for the team.”
Villeneuve, who made his NHL debut this year on April 11, picked up three assists, two via the power play in the victory, turning in his finest playoff game at the professional level. Villeneuve appeared in three games with the Maple Leafs this year and will look to make an impression over these playoffs before heading into training camp with the Maple Leafs in September.
“We just stuck to our game. Power play came through, PK came through, and that’s just a nice team, and gives us a lot of confidence to play in front of our fans,” Villeneuve said. “We’re excited.”
Veterans Logan Shaw, Vinni Lettieri, and Cédric Paré all picked up goals before rookie defenceman Noah Chadwick finished the game’s scoring with a power play goal late in the third.
Game 3 of the series will take place on Sunday, May 3. Puck drop is set for 4:00 p.m. EST at Coca-Cola Coliseum.