The Marlies are 9-1-0-0 in their last ten, with a ridiculous +67 goal differential and only eight regulation losses on the season. Earlier in the season, it looked liked the AHL veteran-laden Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins would pose a big challenge for the Marlies, but Toronto has separated themselves and are the class of the AHL in the regular season.
The Marlies also benefitted from the return their best player from last season, Connor Brown, who put on a huge performance (see below). Now they await the return of franchise’s prized prospect, William Nylander — possibly as soon as this week.