The Toronto Marlies secured a hard-fought 3-2 overtime victory against Belleville, thanks in large part to rookie goaltender Artur Akhtyamov, who made crucial saves throughout the game. After a poor start defensively, the Marlies regained focus and improved their intensity, eventually leveling the score late in the first period. Their momentum continued despite early missed chances in the second period, as they rallied back to clinch the win. John Gruden praised the team’s response to challenges and emphasized the significant impact of Akhtyamov's saves on their victory.
"We weren't very good for the first 20 minutes. They beat us to all the loose pucks and won the pucks. But I really did like our intensity after that." - John Gruden
"Artur Akhtyamov held down the fort with nine saves through the opening 12 minutes, including stops on Keean Waskurak and Sam Gagner from close range."
"The Marlies were fortunate to escape the first period relatively unscathed... Belleville's opening goal came in a fashion we've seen too often from the Marlies this season."
"We got some huge momentum swings from our goaltender with some really big saves." - John Gruden
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