The losing ways continued for the IceCaps on Tuesday night in Toronto. Eddie Pasquale was between the pipes for St. John’s, and it was no fault of his that the IceCaps were dominated by the Marlies at Ricoh Coliseum.
After a slow first period, which finished scoreless and saw both teams register only six shots apiece, the Marlies proved why they are the class of the AHL. With defensemen John Scott in the box serving a double minor for an attempted spear, (yes, defensmen, John Scott) Tobias Lindberg buried a rebound in front to give the home team the lead. Just 24 seconds later, the Marlies doubled their lead. This time it was Frederik Gauthier with the goal, his sixth of the season.
After a dirty hit by Brendan Leipsic on IceCaps captain Gabriel Dumont, St. John’s had a golden opportunity to get themselves back into the game. But during the five minute power play, the IceCaps could only manage one shot on Marlies goalie Antoine Bibeau. The Marlies penalty kill was perfect throughout the game, killing off all six IceCaps power plays.
Special teams continued to hurt the IceCaps in the third period. The Marlies scored twice with the man advantage, with the goals going to Sam Carrick and Leipsic.
As mentioned previously, it could have been a lot worse for St. John’s, had Pasquale not been stellar. Although he allowed four goals, he could not be blamed. It was a rare case of no offence from the IceCaps. In fact, it was the first time all season that the IceCaps have been shutout, having previously been the only team in the AHL to score in every game.
This marks the end of a disastrous road trip, which saw St. John’s win only once in six games. They return home to Mile One Centre for a six game home stand to finish off the season. With the first game on Friday night, against the LeHigh Valley Phantoms.
Goaltenders:
St. John’s: Eddie Pasquale (L) 30/34
Toronto: Antoine Bibeau (W) 21/21
Three Stars:
1. Antoine Bibeau
2. Sam Carrick
3. Colin Smith
