The Toronto Marlies opened the Eastern Conference Finals with a 4-2 victory over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, stealing home‑court advantage in the best‑of‑seven series.
Key moments from Game 1
Michael Pezzetta sealed the win with a goal at 1:36 remaining in regulation, firing a quick wrist shot that beat the Penguins' netminder and sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Goalie Artur Akhtyamov turned in a stellar performance, stopping 34 of 36 shots and preserving a record of nine playoff starts in which he has allowed two goals or fewer.
Toronto’s third‑period firepower has been a hallmark of their recent stretch, with the club finding the net 12 times in that frame over their last seven outings.
The Marlies built a 2-1 lead in the second period thanks to goals from Easton Cowan and William Villeneuve, while Marc Johnstone logged an assist on Pezzetta’s decisive tally after spending two seasons in Wilkes‑Barre before returning to Toronto.
Despite outshooting the Marlies 36-16, the Penguins could not convert, dropping to 3-3 at home in the playoffs and now facing a 0-2 series hole heading into Game 2.
Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton will look to rally in Game 2, knowing that a win is essential to avoid falling behind 0-2 as the series shifts back to their arena.