Marlies Come Close In Final Minute, But Can't Find Tying Goal

(ROCKFORD, IL) – As they say, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.
Despite a valiant effort in the final minutes, the Marlies were unable to muster up a tying goal, as they were shutout 1-0 by the IceHogs in Rockford on Saturday night.

Evan Brophey had the only goal of the game just over five minutes into the first period, after finding a loose puck on the side of the goal, and beating Justin Pogge who had no chance on the play.

Toronto had a few scrambles in front of the net in the second and third period, but were unable to slip the puck past Corey Crawford. With the net empty in the final minute of the third, Jiri Tlusty had a chance in tight, but Crawford made the save. Jack Skille was racing back up the ice for the empty net, but Anton Stralman was called for holding in the race. Kris Newbury was also given an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on the same play, giving Rockford a 5-on-3 power play with 46 seconds left in the game.

Earlier in the day, Chicago and Columbus made a trade that sent Michael Blunden to Syracuse for Adam Pineault. Due to the weather and the travel, Pineault showed up to play the third period for Rockford.

Crawford made 24 saves for the shutout, while Pogge blocked 21 shots.
The Marlies head to Des Moines where they will face the Iowa Chops on Tuesday night.

SOURCE: torontomarlies.com