Toronto Marlies Score Late to Defeat Penguins in Game 1

Michael Pezzetta scored the game-winning goal with 1:36 left in regulation as the visiting Toronto Marlies rallied to defeat the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins 4-2 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday night. The victory gave Toronto a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series and extended the Marlies’ winning streak to three games.

Pezzetta broke a 2-2 tie when he fired a wrist shot from the top of the left circle that beat Penguins goaltender Sergei Murashov. Toronto held the lead the rest of the way and closed out another comeback win in the playoffs. The Marlies have now earned five come-from-behind victories this postseason, despite allowing the first goal in 10 of their 14 playoff games.

Toronto’s other goals came from Easton Cowan, William Villeneuve and Logan Shaw. Henry Thrun contributed two assists, while goaltender Artur Akhtyamov made 34 saves to improve to 8-4 in the playoffs. Akhtyamov continued his strong postseason run, allowing two goals or fewer for the ninth time in 12 playoff starts.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton got goals from Alexander Alexeyev and Rutger McGroarty, but the Penguins could not protect an early advantage or capitalize on a significant shot edge. The home team outshot Toronto 36-16, but Murashov stopped only 12 of 15 shots in the loss. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton fell to 3-3 at home in the postseason.

The Marlies showed resilience throughout the game, recovering after giving up the opening goal and staying composed in a tight, physical playoff contest. Toronto’s depth was on display as multiple players scored and contributed in key situations. The road win puts the Marlies in control early in the series as they look to keep momentum going into Game 2.

Game 2 is scheduled for Friday evening at 7:05 ET at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The series then shifts to Toronto for Games 3 and 4 on June 1 and June 3, respectively. If needed, Games 5, 6 and 7 are set for June 5, June 7 and June 9, with all times listed in Eastern Time.