DESSERT
Even in the last game of the regular season, the Marlies had a 1st to celebrate. Tyler Biggs recorded his 1st AHL/Pro goal with the 1st tally of the game vs St. John’s. Biggs collected 26 this past season with the Generals in the OHL and had 9 with Miami of Ohio one year before in the NCAA. The former Maple Leaf’s 1st round pick became the 9th Marlie player this season to record his 1st AHL goal in the 2012-2013 campaign. Congrats, Tyler! 
APPETIZER
Looking back on the year that was for the Marlies, the achievements of both individuals and team can not be overlooked.
Toronto possessed (2) 40+ point players in Ryan Hamilton and Joe Colborne. While both are currently with the Leafs, each had career years. Colborne equaled a career high in points in a season but finished with an all-time high (+13) over 65 games. Ryan Hamilton totaled more points last year, but still lead the team with 48 this time around and even picked up 5 more goals in 012-013. Finishing with 30 goals, the most he has ever scored, gives him 3 AHL seasons of (20+) in that department. He would also win the AHL All-Star MVP in Marlies blue and white, serving in his 2nd straight year as Toronto’s captain.
Below the 40 point range, 6 players recorded (30+) points this season. On top of that list is former Marlie, Keith Aucoin. Although his Toronto stay was short, he quickly became a fan favourite and put the Marlies in AHL history. Aucoin recorded his 800th career point in a Marlies uniform this year, it happened to be one of his 37 points in 34 games.
Adding to team history were 4 different Marlies. By years end Ryan Hamilton was the franchise leader in goals (94) and short-handed goals (9). Mike Zigomanis is the club leader in assists (116). Ben Scrivens and Jussi Rynnas each share the franchise lead for shutouts at (8).
Jerry D’amigo leads the pack of 5 Marlies recording (20+) points on the campaign. D’amigo collected his number in points , which includes a career high/current team leading 17 goals. In total, 7 Marlies had double-digit goals throughout 2012-2013. D’amigo was also among 28 players this hockey calendar to record a +/- reading of (+1) or higher. Paul Ranger was on top of that stat (in a Marlies uniform) at (+16).
The equipment staff of Henning Svendsen, Wil Burns and Nick Hornby collectively stitched 45 names onto Marlies jerseys this year, as the club proved that depth and commitment can still equal success. Toronto totaled 43 wins and 96 points, which is the same number of points they finished with last regular season. Together with the Houston Aeros, they allowed the 2nd fewest goals in the Western Conference at 199. The Marlies recorded 237 goals for (3rd in Western Conference) but it was really their 128 produced at home that lead the Marlies to a share of most home wins in the league – 26- with the Providence Bruins. The Marlies hope to extend that home ice advantage into the playoffs when they open up against the Rochester Americans at Ricoh Coliseum.
MAIN COURSE
The Marlies enter the post season with 4 players holding a combined 95 NHL playoff games, with 3 of those playing on the blue line. Adding to the experience plate are Mike Zigomanis, who was part of a Pittsburgh run to the Stanley Cup and Kevin Marshall, who was a black ace during the Flyers run that finished with a loss to Chicago in the Cup Finals. The Marlies also benefit from their run to the Calder Cup Finals one year ago, with 12 players who appeared in at least one game during that run available to them this post season. Toronto enters the first round with a strong record against their opponent Rochester. The Marlies are 9-1 this regular season when facing the Americans. Overall, Toronto have outscored Rochester 34-19. Of those 34 goals produced, 14 were scored in the 3rd period (5 into empty net) and the blue and white have done a good job limiting goals against, too. Rochester have scored only (1) goal in a game against Toronto 6 times this season.
I hope you enjoyed a few stats to get you geared up for the playoffs. The next edition will have plenty more for you, as the club will be on the road to Rochester.
Broadcasts of the playoff games can be found in the following ways:
April 27th at Ricoh 3pm on Rogers TV/ April 28th at Ricoh 3pm on Rogers TV + AM Radio TSN 1050/ May 1st @ Rochester 7pm AHL Live/ May 2nd @ Rochester 7pm *if necessary* AHL Live/May 4th at Ricoh 3pm *if necessary* on Rogers TV
For playoff tickets please visit Ricoh Coliseum or dial 416-597-PUCK and support the Marlies in their #Unfinishedbusiness
Photos courtesy of Christian at tsgphoto.com
