Although fielding yet another altered lineup, this was a game the baby buds controlled in spells and really should have won in regulation.
The visitors got off to the perfect start just 33 seconds in. Colin Smith was the architect from behind the Syracuse net, with Shane Conacher on hand in front to bang home past Kristers Gudlevskis.
Jordan Hickmott then had an opportunity to make it 2-0 for the Marlies, but Gudlevskis denied the rookie on a breakaway.
Syracuse led after 20 minutes despite the Marlies’ good start, benefiting from some sloppy play from Toronto.