Toronto Marlies One Win Away From Calder Cup After Game 3 Shutout
The Toronto Marlies moved within one victory of claiming the American Hockey League’s Calder Cup on Tuesday night, defeating the Chicago Wolves 1–0 at Coca-Cola Coliseum in Game 3 of the best-of-seven final. With the win, the Marlies take a commanding 3–0 series lead and can clinch the championship at home on Thursday in Game 4.
“We did a really good job of putting ourselves in this position and we know what’s at stake,” said Marlies head coach John Gruden, “but we’re not going to get ahead of ourselves.”
Easton Cowan Scores Lone Goal
The game’s only goal came at 2:47 of the second period when Easton Cowan fired a quick shot from the faceoff circle that slipped past Wolves goaltender Cayden Primeau and over the goal line. The 8,211 fans in attendance erupted as Cowan celebrated with his teammates—his eighth goal of the postseason.
“It’s very cool,” Cowan said. “I love playing here, it’s really fun and I can’t wait to get back on the ice on Thursday.”
Artur Akhtyamov Delivers Second Shutout
Goaltender Artur Akhtyamov was stellar in net, making 24 saves for his second shutout of the playoffs. In his 18th consecutive start, he turned aside several high-danger chances—including a close-range denial of Wolves forward Noah Philp with six minutes remaining in regulation.
“He just looks pretty calm in that net and makes the big saves when he needs to,” Gruden said. “I think that was probably his best thing. He was chosen.”
When asked how he was feeling after the win, Akhtyamov remained focused: “I don’t feel anything. We need another win.”
Veteran-Led Roster Blends Experience and Youth
The Marlies’ run to the brink of the title has been fueled by a balanced roster featuring veterans like captain Logan Shaw, Vinni Lettieri, and Dakota Mermis, alongside emerging talents such as Cowan, Akhtyamov, and Ben Danford. The team last won the Calder Cup in 2018 with a roster that included future NHLers Andreas Johnsson, Trevor Moore, and Justin Holl.
Forward Jacob Quillan returned to the lineup after missing five games with an upper-body injury, centering a line with Cowan and Ryan Tverberg. Veteran defenseman Matt Benning praised Cowan’s maturity: “He’s got a high IQ… and he’s got a little bit of grit to his game. He’s not afraid to go into the corners. As a young man in this league, it’s hard to be brave sometimes, and he’s brave.”
Organizational Momentum Builds
Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka, who joined the organization in May after the Marlies’ roster was largely assembled, acknowledged the significance of the team’s success. “Any time you get a few wins as a manager that you have nothing to do with, it’s always a good thing,” Chayka said during a Zoom media availability. “Winning is the best development… the fact that they are where they are is a good sign for the organization.”
Cowan is widely expected to make the jump to the NHL soon, likely playing his final AHL games unless a future conditioning stint is needed due to injury.
The Marlies will look to complete the sweep on Thursday at Coca-Cola Coliseum. If the Wolves force a Game 5, it will also be held in Toronto on Friday.
