Bo Groulx Lifts Toronto Marlies Past Monsters in Game 1
The toronto marlies erased a 2-0 deficit late in the second period and beat the Cleveland Monsters on the road in Game 1. The comeback gave Toronto an early edge in the five-game series and put the focus on how it responded after falling behind early.
Bo Groulx Sparks Toronto
Bo Groulx finished with three points, including a pair of key assists and an empty-net goal. That production drove the turnaround after Toronto had spent much of the night chasing the score.
John Gruden said the Marlies were a completely different team in the final 25 minutes. He also said, “We just flipped it. We flipped the switch.”
Akhtyamov Holds the Line
Artur Akhtyamov stopped 32 of 34 shots to keep Toronto close when Cleveland had the upper hand. Gruden pointed to the goaltending as part of the response, saying the team needed saves and that Akhtyamov delivered them.
Gruden said the Marlies had too many gifts on Cleveland chances and added that the group will have to start games better in the five-game series. He also said Akhtyamov continues to grow in confidence with each win.
Danford’s First Playoff Test
Ben Danford made his professional playoff debut on the blue line and finished plus-two. That added another useful layer to a win built on recovery, not early control.
Gruden said the mindset reminded him of the final game against Laval, then pushed the standard back to Saturday. “I can’t explain it. All I know is that with this group, we’re resilient, and we won’t go away easily.”
