Toronto Marlies upset Laval, advance to division final with come-from-behind Game 5 victory

"We showed a lot of resiliency, and it was just a full team effort all the way down. We're ecstatic."

"All the credit goes to the players and Artie for making some big saves when he needed to. We didn't stray away from the process, and that's a great road win against a really good hockey team."

"On the road against the divisional favourites with the season on the line, the Toronto Marlies dug in and erased a 2-1 third-period deficit to advance to the third round. It was a victory full of resiliency and character, as the Marlies didn't get off to a promising start, but they grew into the game as it progressed. They relied on secondary scoring from role players before one of their top guns stepped up to score the game-winner."

"Marlies kept their heads cool under plenty of physical provocation and indifferent officiating. Both teams were apprehensive and tentative in the early going, as neither wanted to make a mistake to allow the critical opening goal. Toronto's only chance of note in the opening 10 minutes came off a broken play; Bo Groulx dropped the puck down to Luke Haymes in the high slot, where Haymes hesitated for a second and saw his shot deflected high."

Toronto Marlies faced divisional favourites with the season on the line and overcame a 2-1 third-period deficit to advance to the third round. The start was tentative, with sloppy play leading to Laval taking the lead in the first period. Toronto generated limited early chances, but Blake Smith’s mistake was answered by Akhtyamov with an athletic save. Physical play and indifferent officiating continued, including a clear cross-check that drew controversy. As the game progressed, Toronto grew into it, relied on secondary scoring from role players, and had a top player step up to score the game-winner. The team maintained composure despite provocation.

Read at Maple Leafs Hotstove