The Toronto Marlies defeated the Grand Rapids Griffins 4-1 on Saturday evening. The Marlies improve to 2-1 on the season while the Griffins fall to 2-2.
In the first period, it was Noel Hoefenmayer who got the home side on the board first with a hard one-timer from the point. Alex Steeves continued his hot start to the season, adding a power-play goal midway through the frame, giving the Marlies a two-goal lead after the first.
In the second period both teams exchanged chances, but it was Cross Hanas who brought the visitors within one.
In the final frame, Nick Abruzzese scored his first AHL goal late in the frame to give the Marlies a 3-1 lead. Alex Steeves potted an empty net goal in the final minutes of the game, bringing his season total to four goals in his last three games. Logan Shaw and Joey Anderson both recored three assists in the game. This is their first three-assist game in their AHL careers. Keith Petruzzelli stood tall in the Marlies crease, stopping 16 or 17 shots in the victory.
The two teams are back in action on Sunday at Coca-Cola Coliseum to complete the back-to-back. Puck drop is at 4:00pm ET.
