The Toronto Marlies capitalize on their chances to win Game 1 of the Best-of-5 series.
By CRAIG POTTER / C&C Worldwide Sports Director
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The defending Calder Cup Champion Toronto Marlies demonstrated why they are champions with a 4-1 victory over the Rochester Americans on Friday night before 7,502 fans at the Blue Cross Arena in the Rochester Community War Memorial.
Toronto leads the best-of-5 North Division semifinal series, 1-0.
Despite having their lowest regular season finish in third place in the North Division this season, the Marlies withstood being outshot 15-6 in the first period to emerge with a scoreless tie.
The Amerks were unable to cash in on the chances they created as they hit the post 4 times, missed an open net, and had a breakaway stopped by Toronto goalie Kasimir Kaskisso, who entered the game with an .892 save percentage and a 2.66 goals against average.
“I thought there was a lot of nerves going on there,” said Amerks head coach Chris Taylor. When asked why, Taylor responded, “When you miss an empty net. You feel you were in close when you’re not. We were trying so hard that it just didn’t happen.”
“It’s disappointing not to get those bounces,” said Smith when talking about the multiple missed scoring chances. “That’s the game sometimes, though. We just have to stick with it and keep getting those opportunities. Eventually they will go in.”
Kaskisso turned aside 29 shots and was beaten until the final 2 minutes of the game by Tage Thompson. Taylor Leier and Yannick Veilleux picked up assists on the play.
“We have to be able to capitalize on the chances,” said Taylor said about all the posts, missed empty-net shots and scoring chances. “If we can score on those chances, it might have been a different outcome.”
“I thought we had a good start to the game, but there are no moral victories in the playoffs,” said Andrew MacWilliam. “We have to give Toronto credit; they scored on their chances and we did not.
“In the playoffs you need to have a short memory, regroup and come back the next game.”
This is the third meeting between the Amerks and Marlies in the playoffs. Toronto swept the first two times (3-0), both of which were opening round matchups with the Marlies as the division champs.
Former Amerk Nick Baptiste opened the scoring for the Marlies in the second period. Toronto also had a power play and a shorthanded goal.
“We need to get results on special teams,” Taylor said. “There is nothing worse than giving up a shorthanded goal, no matter the score. We have been very good all year not allowing one and I still thought we had a chance despite being down 3-0. We have had comebacks all season, including a 4-1 deficit against them, but our power-play has to be better.”
The series continues Sunday afternoon with a 3:05 pm faceoff before switching to Toronto for Game 3 and, if necessary, Game 4 next week. Game 5, if necessary, would be played at the BCA on Sunday, April 28.
“Sunday’s game is just that much more important,” said Zach Redmond. “Some may want to call it a must-win game, but we have to win three and they have to win two. Going to Toronto 1-1 would be a much better scenario.”
“We know it’s going to be a long series,” said Taylor. “We knew we would face adversity and one thing I liked about our group all year is we have responded well. This is a time where we are facing adversity. I know it’s tough losing the first game at home, but that happens, and we have to respond.”
*NOTES — The Amerks announced that MSG Network will carry Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment’s (MLSE) live broadcast of the team’s first-round road playoff games against the Toronto Marlies, beginning with Game 3 of the best-of-5 North Division Semifinals on Wednesday, April 24 at Coca-Cola Coliseum. Coverage will be available to all SMG subscribers in both the Buffalo and Rochester markets. MSG Network will also have coverage of Game 4, if necessary, on Friday, April 26, courtesy of MLSE…Amerks coach Chris Taylor still is that elusive first Calder Cup playoff vitory in his second season at the helm. The Amerks were swept by the Syracuse Crunch a year ago in the North Division semifinals…Rochester has not won a playoff series since 2005 when the team had current NHL players Jason Pominville and Ryan Miller as well as current Sabres GM Jason Botterill and Amerks coach Chris Taylor. Rochester swept Hamilton to advance to the second round…The Amerks have been a part of 84 playoff series, compiling aa 212-203 record in 415 games…Rookie defensemen Will Borgen and Kurt Gosselin both played in their first-career professional playoff game.