The Toronto Marlies, the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, had a mixed week and a half. Since March 5, the team played against the Cleveland Monsters, Providence Bruins (twice), and Bridgeport Islanders during a stretch that included the trade deadline. The Marlies struggled early in the week, suffering back-to-back losses. They fell 4-2 to the Cleveland Monsters, extending their losing streak against them to 17 games, and then dropped a lackluster 5-2 decision to the Providence Bruins.
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However, the Marlies managed to bounce back impressively with two spirited victories. They defeated the Bridgeport Islanders 3-2 in overtime before closing the week with a decisive 4-2 win over the Bruins in their rematch. Despite the tough start, the Marlies played well in their final two games. They began to capitalize on their chances and tighten up defensively.
In this post, with Stan Smith’s help, I’ll take a closer look at some of the standout players from the week.
Top Marlies Performers of the Week
Alex Steeves Is the Heartbeat of the Marlies
Alex Steeves continues to be the heartbeat of the Marlies’ offense. Despite his challenges with the Maple Leafs this season, his play in the AHL has been outstanding. He finished the week with three goals and one assist, totaling four points in the four games.
Steeves was involved in nearly every key Marlies success of the week. He opened the scoring in their 3-2 overtime win against Bridgeport and added a key rebound goal in the Marlies’ 4-2 win over Providence. He remains the AHL’s top goal-scorer with 32 goals, seven goals ahead of second-place scorers Matej Blumel and John Leonard. His ability to score remains unmatched. There’s no doubt that he remains the key offensive leader for the Marlies this season.
Jacob Quillan Has Developed Rapidly for the Marlies
Jacob Quillan’s rapid development this season has been a bright spot for the Marlies. Initially starting the season on the fourth line, Quillan has worked his way up to the top six. There, he’s flourished. Over the past week, he scored three goals and added two assists for a total of five points.
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Quillan’s progression has been noticeable, particularly since Nikita Grebenkin and Fraser Minten were traded away. With more ice time and chances, Quillan has responded. He’s becoming a more consistent contributor each game. He has 12 goals on the season, tying him for third in team scoring with Nick Abruzzese and Joe Blandisi. His ability to lift his game has been a key aspect of the Marlies’ recent successes. His future with the team and the organization looks bright.
William Villeneuve Was an Assist Machine for the Marlies
William Villeneuve had a standout week, putting up five assists over the four games. While his role has primarily focused on the defensive end, he’s also proven to be an offensive threat. He posted three assists against Providence, including one on the game-winner.
Villeneuve leads the Marlies’ defense with 27 points, eight more than second-place scorer Topi Niemela. His vision on the ice and ability to move the puck effectively have made him a key part of the Marlies’ success, and he continues to be one of the most reliable blueliners on the team.
Roni Hirvonen Scored Twice in the Marlies’ Wins
Roni Hirvonen stepped up this week with two goals in the Marlies’ wins. His goal in the 4-2 victory over Providence was a beautiful wrist shot from the high slot that beat Bruins goalie Mike DiPietro. Hirvonen’s consistent offensive contributions and two-way play have made him a valuable asset for the Marlies.
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While Hirvonen is not among the top point scorers, his ability to produce in key moments has been crucial for the team. He continues to grow into a solid all-around player.
Dennis Hildeby Is Getting His Game Back
Recently, goalie Dennis Hildeby has been stellar in the Marlies’ crease. This past week, he proved to be the team’s most reliable goaltender again. Playing in all four games, Hildeby posted a 2-1 record, a 2.25 goals-against average, and a .934 save percentage. He allowed just eight goals on 105 shots and stood tall when the team needed him most, especially in the Marlies’ two wins.
His performance against Bridgeport was impressive. He made several key saves to keep the Marlies in the game, eventually setting up the overtime win. Hildeby’s consistency has been a cornerstone of the Marlies’ success this season. He might have had some downtimes, but his strong play solidified his role as the team’s go-to goaltender over the past week.
The Bottom Line for the Marlies
While the Marlies struggled in their games earlier in the week, they bounced back for two crucial wins. Key contributions from Steeves, Quillan, Villeneuve, Hirvonen, Hildeby, and others have helped the team stay competitive in the tight North Division race. Steeves remains the top offensive player for the Marlies, and Hildeby’s consistent play in the net has been a significant factor in the team’s success. As it stands now, the Marlies remain solidly in the playoff hunt.
[Note: I want to thank long-time Maple Leafs fan Stan Smith for collaborating with me on this post. Stan’s Facebook profile can be found here.]
