The Toronto Marlies will try to close out their first round series against the Utica Comets tonight when they play the fourth game of the series in Utica with the Marlies currently leading the five-game series 2-1.

Updated with lineup news for the Marlies

The Series

Game 1 (3-2 OTW)

The Marlies took the first two games fo the series at home by scorelines of 3-2 (OT) and 5-2. The first game saw a dramatic third period and overtime that included a blown lead, a comeback overtime winner, and a goalie bleeding on the ice while a goal was being reviewed. Jeremy Bracco, Justin Holl, and Chris Mueller scored for the Marlies and Garret Sparks saving 32 in the win.

Game 2 (5-2 W)

The Marlies played a much better third period and secured a 5-2 win. Freddy Gauthier had himself a great game, assisting on the first and third goals for the Marlies and being a key forward in shutting down the Comets in regulation. He has been in the AHL what Dave Nonis hoped for when he drafted him, which isn’t a bad thing to have in a three-team deep organization.

Game 3 (2-5 L)

On the Wednesday that shall not be named, the series shifted to Utica for two games where the Marlies took the “L” by a scoreline of 5-2. The Marlies quickly put themselves in a 0-3 hole within a span of six minutes and the game was essentially lost from that point onward. Sparks was pulled after the third goal, giving up three on seven shots in only 13:59 of play. Backup Calvin Pickard allowed only one goal on 20 shots over the 44:40 he had to play in relief. A late shorthanded goal by Colin Greening brought the Marlies back to 2-4 but ultimately couldn’t turn it on at the end.

The Team

Travis Dermott and Andreas Johnsson will not be playing tonight, meaning the Marlies wil dress their regular playoff lineup. There are no lineup changes with Andreas Borgman continuing to sit — due to an injury suffered in game one — for Andrew Nielsen. (Thank you, Crock)

Updated with confirmation that Kasperi Kapanen will not go to the AHL

Garret Sparks gets the start on Friday night. He has an .894 save percentage in 152 minutes in three games so far in these playoffs.

Forwards

Trevor Moore - Miro Aaltonen - Carl Grundstrom

Dmytro Timashov - Chris Mueller - Ben Smith

Pierre Engvall - Frederik Gauthier - Colin Greening

Mason Marchment - Adam Brooks - Jeremy Bracco

Defense

Martin Marincin - Justin Holl

Calle Rosen - Vincent LoVerde

Andrew Nielsen - Timothy Liljegren

Stay tuned for frequent updates and a game recap to follow!

Toronto Marlies