October 17
Marlies Edge Senators 5–4 in Overtime Thriller
The Toronto Marlies delivered a dramatic road victory on Saturday, defeating the Belleville Senators 5–4 in overtime at CIBC Place.
Toronto battled through a back-and-forth contest, responded whenever Belleville threatened to take control, and ultimately secured the extra point when Brendan Brisson scored the overtime winner.
The Marlies finished with a 32–25 advantage in shots on goal.
Period-by-period breakdown
First period — Four goals set the tone
Belleville struck first through Oskar Pettersson at 2:34, then Ryan Suzuki extended the lead to 2–0 just over a minute later.
Toronto answered quickly. Henrik Rybinski scored at 4:02, cutting the deficit to one, before Miroslav Holinka tied the game at 17:26.
The teams went to the dressing room level at 2–2 after an explosive opening period.
Second period — Lettieri gives Toronto the edge
Vinni Lettieri put the Marlies ahead 3–2 at 8:38, finishing a play set up by Aatu Räty.
Belleville responded on the power play late in the period.
Eskild Bakke Olsen scored at 16:41, bringing the Senators level at 3–3 and setting up a tense final frame.
Third period — Shaw restores the lead
Logan Shaw gave Toronto a 4–3 advantage at 3:41, with Brendan Brisson and Lettieri collecting assists.
The Senators refused to go away. Kasper Halttunen scored at 11:46 to tie the game at 4–4, forcing overtime despite Toronto’s continued pressure.
Overtime — Brisson seals the win
Brisson delivered the decisive moment at 2:59 of overtime, scoring from Shaw and Ben Danford to give Toronto the 5–4 victory.
After four regulation periods of relentless back-and-forth hockey, the Marlies found the finishing touch when it mattered most.
Goaltending report
Samuel Hlavaj, Toronto: Stopped 21 of 25 shots.
Jackson Parsons, Belleville: Stopped 27 of 32 shots.
Both goaltenders faced challenging stretches in an open game that featured nine combined goals.
Toronto’s offence ultimately made the difference.
Three stars of the game
First Star — Brendan Brisson
Toronto Marlies
Scored the overtime winner and contributed an assist on Shaw’s third-period goal.
Second Star — Samuel Blais
Belleville Senators
Recorded two assists, helping generate offence during Belleville’s push.
Third Star — Xavier Bourgault
Belleville Senators
Added two assists as the Senators kept pace with Toronto throughout the game
Final analysis
The Marlies demonstrated resilience and offensive depth in a game that demanded repeated responses.
Their quick recovery from an early two-goal deficit was crucial, while Lettieri and Shaw helped Toronto regain the lead at important moments.
Brisson’s overtime finish provided the decisive difference. Toronto also generated more shots, although Belleville’s power-play goal kept the Senators in contention.
The defensive side will need attention after allowing four goals, but the Marlies can take confidence from their ability to close out a tight road game.
Final verdict: Toronto earns a valuable 5–4 overtime victory over Belleville, with Brisson delivering the winning goal and the Marlies showing the composure needed to survive a high-scoring divisional battle.
What’s next
The Marlies are scheduled to face Belleville again on Sunday, October 18, with Toronto set to host the Senators at Coca-Cola Coliseum.
The rematch gives the Marlies an opportunity to build on Saturday’s win.
