First up on Friday was the league-leading Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins, who’ve built their success on a solid defensive foundation. It was the Marlies who were the better team in every facet — including defence — allowing just 19 shots on goal after 60 minutes.
Kerby Rychel finally lifted the monkey off his back, netting twice in the first period to send Toronto on their way. Frederik Gauthier scored on a rebound just 4:30 into the second period and the Marlies would have at least doubled their three-goal lead if not for the brilliance of Tristan Jerry in the Penguins net.