Post by torontogm on Jan 9, 2011 0:26:35 GMT -5
Toronto, ON - While it is early to be focusing on playoffs spots the Toronto Marlies are relieved to finally be back in the mix after a disappointing first quarter to the season. After dominating for the better part of the 2009-10 regular season the Marlies were knocked off in the first round of the playoffs. During the offseason GM Jade Graber felt he had put together an even stronger club, but they have not played that way.
It has been an odd season for sure. Last year's number one goalie Alex Salak has struggled at times, yet has seven wins and just two losses. On the other hand Sergei Bobrovsky is just 6-7-1 but has been dazzling at times. In five of his six wins Bobrovsky needed a shutout to get the decision.
The solution? Tonight it was playing odd man out Ben Bishop, who was solid stopping 27 of 30 shots in a 4-3 victory over the Seattle Thunderbirds.
"Last year Bennie was outstanding when he spelled off Salak and we felt he needed some action," explained coach Jim Schoenfeld. "Bobber has been a bit fatigued, so this looked like a good chance to let him relax in the press box with Salak backing up Bishop."
In spite of the positive spin rumour has it that the Marlies are actively seeking to move Bishop and they are showcasing him to create interest. "We'd love to put Ben into a situation where he can play regularly because he's been excellent for our organization," acknowledged Graber.
Andre Roy and Tom Pyatt scored for the Leafs, as did Toby Peterson and Nikolai Kulemin who are now tied with Glen Metropolit, Christian Hanson and Casey Wellman for the team lead with seven goals each.
"We've had good offensive balance," said Peterson.
The Marlies face the Thunderbirds for a re-match on Monday.
- Barbie Q. Pork for the Hogtown Hockey News
It has been an odd season for sure. Last year's number one goalie Alex Salak has struggled at times, yet has seven wins and just two losses. On the other hand Sergei Bobrovsky is just 6-7-1 but has been dazzling at times. In five of his six wins Bobrovsky needed a shutout to get the decision.
The solution? Tonight it was playing odd man out Ben Bishop, who was solid stopping 27 of 30 shots in a 4-3 victory over the Seattle Thunderbirds.
"Last year Bennie was outstanding when he spelled off Salak and we felt he needed some action," explained coach Jim Schoenfeld. "Bobber has been a bit fatigued, so this looked like a good chance to let him relax in the press box with Salak backing up Bishop."
In spite of the positive spin rumour has it that the Marlies are actively seeking to move Bishop and they are showcasing him to create interest. "We'd love to put Ben into a situation where he can play regularly because he's been excellent for our organization," acknowledged Graber.
Andre Roy and Tom Pyatt scored for the Leafs, as did Toby Peterson and Nikolai Kulemin who are now tied with Glen Metropolit, Christian Hanson and Casey Wellman for the team lead with seven goals each.
"We've had good offensive balance," said Peterson.
The Marlies face the Thunderbirds for a re-match on Monday.
- Barbie Q. Pork for the Hogtown Hockey News