Rockford IceHogs 3, Toronto Marlies 2 (Overtime)
Saturday, October 24
Coca-Cola Coliseum, Toronto
The Toronto Marlies suffered a frustrating 3–2 overtime defeat against the Rockford IceHogs on Saturday afternoon, surrendering an early two-goal deficit before rallying late to force extra time.
Landon Slaggert delivered the decisive goal for Rockford, ending Toronto’s comeback hopes.
Game Summary
First period — Rockford takes control
The IceHogs struck first when Gavin Hayes scored less than five minutes into the contest.
Nick Lardis and Dominic Toninato received assists on the opening goal.
Rockford doubled its advantage midway through the period.
Lardis set up defenceman Derrick Pouliot in the deep slot, and Pouliot fired the puck past Toronto goaltender Artur Akhtyamov to make it 2–0.
Toronto responded on the power play late in the period.
Logan Shaw beat Rockford goaltender Stanislav Berezhnoy to cut the deficit to 2–1 before the first intermission.
Second period — Marlies apply pressure
Toronto controlled much of the second period, outshooting Rockford 16–4.
The Marlies generated several quality scoring chances, but Berezhnoy stood firm to preserve the IceHogs’ one-goal lead.
Despite their territorial advantage, the Marlies could not find the equalizer before the second intermission.
Despite their territorial advantage, the Marlies could not find the equalizer before the second intermission.
Third period — Toronto forces overtime
The Marlies continued searching for a breakthrough in a tightly contested third period.
Their opportunity arrived late when Rockford’s Cavan Fitzgerald was penalized for delay of game.
With Akhtyamov pulled for an extra attacker, Toronto created a six-on-four power play. With just 29 seconds remaining, Brendan Brisson set up Luke Haymes in front of the net, and Haymes scored to tie the game at 2–2.
Toronto’s late surge sent the contest to overtime.
Overtime — Slaggert seals the victory
Rockford needed less than a minute to end the game. Connor Mackey sent the puck toward the attacking zone, and it deflected off Hayes’ stick to Landon Slaggert, who finished the play by beating Akhtyamov.
The goal gave Rockford a 3–2 overtime victory and denied Toronto a comeback win.
Three Stars of the Game
1. Landon Slaggert — Rockford
Scored the overtime winner to complete the IceHogs’ comeback-stopping performance.
2. Stanislav Berezhnoy — Rockford
Made 34 saves on 36 shots, repeatedly denying Toronto during its second-period push.
3. Logan Shaw — Toronto
Scored Toronto’s first goal and helped keep the Marlies within striking distance.
Key Takeaways
Toronto’s second-period pressure: The Marlies outshot Rockford 16–4 in the middle frame but could not convert their opportunities.
Special-teams execution: Toronto scored on the power play in the first period and used a late six-on-four advantage to force overtime.
Goaltending made the difference: Berezhnoy’s 34 saves kept Rockford in front long enough for Slaggert to deliver the winner.
What’s Next
The Marlies are scheduled to face the IceHogs again on Sunday, October 25, in Toronto. The rematch offers an immediate opportunity to respond after Saturday’s overtime setback.
Final verdict: Toronto showed resilience by erasing a two-goal deficit, but its inability to capitalize on sustained offensive pressure proved costly.
The Marlies earned a point for reaching overtime, while Rockford left Coca-Cola Coliseum with the extra point and a 3–2 victory.
