Marlies’ Special Teams Help Lead Them To Hot Start – Hockey Writers – Toronto Marlies

The Toronto Marlies couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season, with a 5-0-0 record to rank first in the American Hockey League (AHL). While the entire team played well, including scoring, special teams really stood out.

Special teams can have a huge impact on a team’s success. It’s important to take advantage of opportunities on the power play and on the penalty kill, especially when games are close and every chance counts. This has been especially evident for the Marlies, as both their power play and offense have played a key role in their success thus far.

The Marlies The Penalty Kill Picks Up Where It Left Off

Last season, the Marlies’ penalty kill was one of the best in the league, ranking fifth at 84.2%, but they scored the fewest goals, two. This season, they have continued that trend, a 100% kill rate in 18 chances – tied with the San Jose Barracuda and Rockford IceHogs, who have also done well.

They also scored a shorthanded goal, which came from Joseph Blandisi against the Rochester Americans on October 19. He blocked it in the neutral zone for the breakaway. Even with two Rochester players on his tail, Blandisi remained calm. He tripped when he fell in front of the net but managed to score, finishing the game behind.

“[The PK] he’s connected,” head coach John Gruden said after the Rochester game. “It is the second year they have been together. The goal is outstanding, too. Usually, the best player on the ice when you have a good PK is your goaltender, but our guys did what they had to do. They blocked shots. They move pucks. They sacrifice themselves to make the team better and get results – not only that, but they get a big PK goal, too. It’s definitely been a strength so far.”

While scoring has been a key factor to start the season, the Marlies have been one of the best defensive teams, allowing the fifth-most goals in eight games.

Marlies Power Play Starting Strong

Whether leading or fighting back to win, the Marlies’ offense from top to bottom has looked solid, ranking fourth in the league with 19 goals. The Barracuda, Hershey Bears, and Calgary Wranglers are ahead of them, tied for first with 20..

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The power play was strong for them as well. It ranks fifth in the league with a 27.8% save percentage and five goals, and it ranks 11th with 18 power play opportunities. Alex Nylander leads the way with three goals and is currently on a four-goal streak. Logan Shaw’s playmaking skills were on full display – he picked up his seventh assist of the season to lead the team.

Last season the Marlies were weak but finished with 11%, 19.3%, and 274 power play opportunities. Shaw led the team with eight goals, but Nylander did. raise that figure early if the team’s success continues with strong play.

Young(ish) Guys Making Their Presence Known

Although Shaw, Blandisi, Topi Niemela, and Nick Abruzzese have been with the team for a few years, the prospects entering their second season are making an impact.

Roni Hirvonen was on fire, scoring two goals and three assists; he’s just shy of breaking his 13-point streak last season in 37 games. Hirvonen is active on the defensive end, consistently displaying a strong work ethic and displaying impressive physical strength when receiving pucks.

Hirvonen excels in anticipatory plays, effectively blocking passing and shooting lanes, and making timely defensive switches during cycle plays. He also moves the puck quickly and often connects with his teammates using high-danger passes. His solid play made him one of the top defensive players and he saw the best players, taking time away from another skater like Niemelea.

Nikita Grebyonkin, who impressed Maple Leafs during development camp and preseason, he is in his first season with the Marlies and has a goal (power play) and three assists. The 6-foot-2,192-pound winger is a skilled player with good vision, which allows him to find teammates effectively on the fast break. He has good speed but is also good in tight situations with slow bursts of acceleration. Grebyonkin can pass effectively and position himself well, and he plays a physical game on both ends of the ice.

Even though the season has just started, the Marlies are showing signs that they may compete for the Calder Cup this season. Whether there will be a power play goal that disrupts their penalty kill or a cold snap that affects their power play, it’s nice to see a team get off to a strong start with their special teams.