"We played extremely well. There were moments in this game that I liked more than any game this season. The first 10 minutes were outstanding, and we got a two-goal lead... We got into some penalties, and they scored two power-play goals there. But I liked a lot of our game. [Vyacheslav] Peksa made some big saves, and I'm just glad we were able to get out of there with the two points."
"The Marlies were in complete control for the first 11 minutes of the opening frame, although they had just one goal to show for it. Utica couldn't cope with a persistent forecheck from a hungry Toronto team that shut down every breakout attempt by the Comets. Logan Shaw should have opened the scoring just a minute in, following a fortunate bounce off the boards from Bo Groulx's shot."
"When Utica finally came alive offensively, they threatened to erase Toronto's bright start. Vyacheslav Peksa was sharp despite facing no early action, robbing Tag Bertuzzi, Nathan Légaré, and Jack Malone from the slot. Toronto responded by drawing consecutive penalties with seven seconds of overlap. The power play looked fantastic against Belleville on Boxing Day, but it didn't carry over in this game. A wraparound attempt by Borya Valis was the closest they came to doubling the lead."
Toronto controlled play for long stretches and built an early lead after Bo Groulx scored four minutes in. Persistent forechecking stifled Utica breakouts and generated extended offensive zone time, though few high-danger chances resulted. Vyacheslav Peksa made several key saves to keep the game in Toronto's favor. The Marlies drew consecutive penalties but failed to convert on the power play as the Comets scored two power-play goals. Utica staged a late comeback to force overtime, and Toronto left with the two points despite allowing the game to slip from regulation control.
Read at Maple Leafs Hotstove
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