Lettieri Lifts Marlies to 3-2 OT Thriller Over Rocket in Series-Clincher

The Toronto Marlies edged the Laval Rocket 3-2 in a dramatic Game 5 of their North Division Semifinal at Place Bell on Saturday, with Vinni Lettieri scoring the game-winner at 9:38 of the third period to seal the series victory. Lettieri’s fifth playoff goal of the postseason proved to be the difference as Toronto advances to the North Division Finals to face the Cleveland Monsters beginning Thursday.

Lettieri capitalized on a four-on-four situation midway through the third, receiving the puck in the offensive zone and unleashing a shot from the left-wing circle that beat Kaapo Kähkönen for the go-ahead goal. The Rocket had entered the game with an impressive 28-0-1-3 record when holding a lead entering the third period this season, but the Marlies broke that streak in dramatic fashion.

Toronto’s Reese Johnson recorded his first career postseason goal just 4:57 into the third period, leveling the match after Laval had taken a 2-1 lead. Defenseman Blake Smith added his first goal of the playoffs, giving the Marlies a 2-1 edge heading into the third.

Owen Beck was the story for Laval, netting both Rocket goals in the contest. Kähkönen, who had been stellar all season, finished with 16 saves but was unable to stop the decisive shot from Lettieri.

Artur Akhtyamov was solid in net for the Marlies, stopping 20 of 22 shots. The victory gives Toronto a 4-2 series win over the Rocket. The Monsters, who finished third in the North Division, will be the next challenge for the fourth-seeded Marlies.

Toronto outshot Laval 31-22 in the game, controlling the pace in the final frame despite the Rocket’s late push. The series was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team leading by more than two goals at any point.

The North Division Finals series will begin on Thursday, with Game 1 set for 7:00 PM at home for the Monsters.