The Toronto Marlies opened the 2026 Calder Cup Finals with a 4-2 victory over the Chicago Wolves on home ice, a win highlighted by Vinni Lettieri’s game‑winning goal in the third period.
The triumph marks the Marlies’ fifth straight road win this postseason, underscoring their resilience as they take a 1‑0 series lead.
Game‑changing moments
Goalie Artur Akhtyamov recorded his league‑leading 18th playoff start, turning away 31 of 35 shots, while Bradly Nadeau opened the scoring for Chicago before Ben Danford’s first professional goal tied the contest.
Skyler Brind’Amour restored the Wolves’ lead in the second period, only for Cédric Paré to knot the game with a late‑period strike, setting the stage for Lettieri’s decisive tally.
With the series now headed to Chicago for Game 2 on Sunday, the Marlies will look to extend their road dominance against a Wolves team eager to rebound.