Marlies Head into All-Star Break on a High Note After Statement Win Over Thunderbirds
If you blinked at the start of Saturday’s game, you probably missed a fight. Seriously - four seconds in, gloves were dropped, and the tone was set. This wasn’t just another regular-season AHL game; there was history, and it boiled over from puck drop.
The opening 15 seconds saw the penalty sheet light up like a Christmas tree. Emotions were high, and the Springfield Thunderbirds and Toronto Marlies weren’t hiding it. But once the dust settled, the Marlies got down to business - and they didn’t mess around.
First-Period Blitz: Toronto Takes Control
The Marlies wasted no time asserting themselves offensively. Vinni Lettieri opened the scoring with a laser - post and in - that left no doubt. It was the kind of shot that doesn’t just beat a goalie, it sends a message: Toronto came to play.
Then, as he’s done all season, Logan Shaw found the back of the net. That’s goal number 15 for the captain, who continues to be a consistent presence on the scoresheet.
This one came from the point, through traffic, and past a screened Vladim Zherenko. Classic Shaw - steady, reliable, and clutch.
Michael Pezzetta added the third of the period, walking into the slot untouched and ripping one home off a slick feed from Reese Johnson. That one had to sting for Springfield’s bench. Defensive coverage simply vanished, and the Marlies took full advantage.
Goaltending Change and a Familiar Face Strikes
After a rough opening frame, the Thunderbirds made a change in net to start the second, pulling Zherenko in favor of Georgi Romanov - an undrafted Russian goalie with a few NHL games under his belt with San Jose. But even with fresh legs in the crease, Springfield couldn’t mount a comeback.
They did manage to get on the board thanks to Calle Rosén - yes, that Calle Rosén. The former Marlie and Maple Leaf capitalized on a defensive lapse, slipping in behind the Toronto blue line and scoring what would be Springfield’s lone goal. It wasn’t a highlight-reel play, but it was a costly mistake by the Marlies, and Rosén made them pay.
Closing Strong: Haymes Adds the Exclamation Point
Toronto didn’t let up. They added two more in the third, including a beauty from Luke Haymes.
The rookie forward notched his 11th goal of the season, redirecting a perfect pass from Jacob Quillan for a textbook tip-in. It was the kind of goal that shows chemistry and confidence - both of which the Marlies are brimming with right now.
All-Star Break Arrives - and Akhtyamov Earns the Spotlight
With the win, the Marlies roll into the AHL All-Star Classic break on a high note. Their next game comes February 14 in Laval, followed by a home-and-home with the Rocket that wraps up at Scotiabank Arena on February 16.
While most of the squad gets a well-earned breather, one player isn’t packing for vacation: goaltender Artur Akhtyamov is headed to Rockford, Illinois, to represent Toronto at the AHL All-Star Classic. And he’s earned every bit of it.
“He’s been really good for us,” said head coach John Gruden. “There’s a reason he got voted in. He’s a great young talent who works extremely hard at his craft.”
Teammate Bo Groulx echoed the sentiment: “He deserves it. He’s been huge for us all year. He’s going to come out even more confident after the break.”
A Grueling Stretch, A Well-Timed Pause
Since Boxing Day, the Marlies have played 17 games - and they’ve come out of that stretch with 10 wins. Five of their losses came in overtime or shootouts, giving them valuable extra points in the standings. As of now, they’re tied for third in the North Division with the Cleveland Monsters, while the Rochester Americans remain close behind.
Gruden acknowledged the toll the schedule has taken on his group. “The guys deserve a break.
They’ve worked extremely hard this last month. They deserve some time away to recharge,” he said.
“But when we get back, we’ve still got a lot of work to do.”
Groulx added, “It’s just great to get away from the rink for a little bit, get some rest, and get our minds right for a really big last stretch of the season.”
Around the League: AHL Powerhouses and What’s Next
Across the league, the Providence Bruins and Grand Rapids Griffins have been dominant, each racking up 35 wins in fewer than 46 games. They’re the teams to beat in their respective conferences - and if the Calder Cup Final were played today, you’d be hard-pressed to bet against them.
The Marlies have already faced Providence twice this season and dropped both games - though one did go to overtime. That alone gives Toronto a glimmer of hope should they cross paths again in the postseason.
This year’s All-Star Classic has a new twist, moving to a Tuesday-Wednesday format instead of the traditional Sunday-Monday. One subplot to keep an eye on?
A potential announcement from AHL President Scott Howson regarding the rumored relocation of the Bridgeport Islanders to Hamilton. If that move becomes official, it could set up a new chapter in the QEW rivalry - a back-to-back “Coliseum Series” with the Marlies and a Hamilton team at the newly renovated TD Coliseum.
Final Word
Saturday’s win was more than just two points in the standings - it was a statement. The Marlies are clicking at the right time, with scoring depth, goaltending stability, and a group that’s bought in. Now, they get a moment to catch their breath before diving into the final stretch of the season.
As for Gruden? He summed it up with a grin and a nod to Rockford.
“Lovely Rockford,” he said postgame.
Indeed, coach. Lovely - especially when you’re sending an All-Star.