Backs Against the Wall. Marlies Take Game 5

Jun 9, 2018

Boxscore Photos Video Three Stars: 1. Johnsson (TOR) 2. Rosen (TOR) 3. Bayreuther (TEX) Shots: Stars - 25 Marlies - 30 Goaltenders: W - Sparks L - McKenna

CEDAR PARK, Texas - It was a quick start by the Toronto Marlies and they never let up to move themselves one win away from the Calder Cup on Saturday with a 6-2 win over the Texas Stars in front of a sellout crowd at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park.

Toronto struck twice in the game's opening minutes, and again in the second with two goals a minute apart to take command as they lead the best-of-seven series, 3-2.

Toronto will have a chance to clinch the series on Tuesday in Game 6 at Toronto's Ricoh Coliseum at 6 p.m. CT.

Toronto stung Texas for two quick goals in the opening 2:19 of the hockey game. Andreas Johnsson scored a breakaway chance after a Stars turnover at the Marlies blue line then Trevor Moore stuffed home a loose puck in front for his sixth of the playoffs.

The Stars showed signs of life four minutes into the secnod when Gavin Bayreuther scored his third of the playoffs on a point shot with Brian Flynn and Roope Hintz tallying the assists, but the momentum was short-lived. Colin Greening and Calle Rosen added three more goals for Toronto through the middle frame to give the Marlies a commanding 5-1 lead. Rosen struck twice in the period.

In the third, Sheldon Dries added a goal for Texas, but Carl Grundstom responded to cap off the scoring.

Mike McKenna was pulled after forty minutes of play and finished with 17 saves. Landon Bow made his second appearance of the postseason in the third.

Garret Sparks earned the win stopping 23 of 25 shots.

Photo Credit: Andy Nietupski/Texas Stars