TORONTO 3, ABBOTSFORD 2 (SO)
Justin Hodgman and Josh Engel tallied shootout goals, and Toronto goaltender Joey MacDonald stopped four of Abbotsford’s five attempts as the Marlies pulled out a 3-2 win over the Heat on Monday at the Entertainment & Sports Centre.
The Marlies snapped a four-game losing streak in contests that extended beyond regulation, collecting their first victory in that situation since a 3-2 shootout triumph over Milwaukee on Jan. 2.
Toronto grabbed a 1-0 lead late in the first period when Alex Berry tallied his second goal of the season, with Engel picking up an assist.
But the Heat rallied for a pair of second-period goals to move ahead 2-1. Jason Jaffray notched his team-leading 18th goal of the year 1:09 into the frame, and Colin Stuart followed at the 11:28 mark. Cam Cunning assisted on both Abbotsford goals.
Hodgman brought the Marlies back even with 1:52 to play in the second, tallying a power play goal, and neither side scored in the third period.
Hodgman converted Toronto’s first shootout attempt against David Shantz, and Engel netted the decisive marker in the fourth round. Stuart scored Abbotsford’s lone shootout goal in the third round.
MacDonald finished with 26 saves for the Marlies through regulation and overtime.
The teams will battle in a rematch on Tuesday night in Abbotsford.
