Toronto Marlies Top Charlotte Checkers In Second Half Of Back-To-Back

The Toronto Marlies defeated the Charlotte Checkers 4-2 on Sunday evening. The win moves Toronto’s record to 2-1-1-0 on the season.

Topi Niemelä opened the scoring for the Marlies, picking up his first of the year at 12:49 in the first period. Alex Steeves scored midway through the second period, extending the Marlies lead to two at 6:04 in the middle frame. With an assist on Steeves’ goal, Max Ellis extended his point streak to three games. He has picked up three points, all assists, during the streak.

Riley Bezeau recorded the Checkers first goal of the game late in the second period, making it 2-1 Marlies at 14:58 in the second period.

Just under three minutes into the third period, Zac Dalpe tied the game at 2 with a power play goal. Nicholas Robertson netted the game-winner mid-way into the final frame, firing home a power play goal to give the Marlies a late 3-2 lead. Robertson now leads the Marlies with three goals in four games.

Joseph Blandisi then iced the game with an empty net goal in the final minute of the game, extending his point streak to three games. Blandisi has recorded five points – two goals, three assists – during that time.

The Marlies are back in action on Tuesday night when they host the Milwaukee Admirals at Coca Cola Coliseum. Puck drop is at 7:00pm on the Toronto Maple Leafs app or on AHLTV.

Game Preview:

The Toronto Marlies close out the weekend with a game against the Charlotte Checkers on Sunday, in the second half of a back-to-back. This will be the second of four matchups between the two clubs this season.  

The two teams last met on Saturday where the Marlies fell 3-2. Toronto falls to 1-1-1-0 on the season, while Charlotte improves to a 2-1-0-0 record.  

Players to watch out for on the Marlies side include Joseph Blandisi who has four points (1G, 3A) in consecutive games, and Max Ellis who has two assists in consecutive games. On the Checkers side, Santtuu Kinnunen leads the team with five points. 

Puck drop is at 4:00pm on the Toronto Maple Leafs app and AHLTV.