It took all of four seconds on the game clock for Saturday's game to pick up where the last game between these two teams started off.

The first 15 seconds of game time speak for themselves on the penalty list.

Highlights

Things then settled down and the Marlies went to work, scoring three goals in the first period.

Then Logan Shaw shows up on the scoresheet as he does almost every single game, this time with his 15th goal of the season.

And then Pezzeta simply walks into the slot and shoots and the Thunderbirds coach can't possibly be happy with this one.

The Leafs now chased Vladim Zherenko from the net, replaced by Georgi Romanov at the start of the second period, an undrafted goalie from Russia who has played a handful of NHL games for the San Jose Sharks, and that brings us to the only Thunderbirds goal in the game and it was from Calle Rosén. Yes, that Calle Rosén who played for the Marlies and the Maple Leafs, and was a part of the famous or infamous Nazem Kadri for Tyson Barrie and Alex Kerfoot trade back in 2019.

He appears to take advantage of a defence breakdown and out-flanks the Marlies for an easy goal. It was their only goal, but it is kind of a big error by the Marlies.

The Marlies didn't let up though and scored two more in the third period, including this fantastic tip-in goal by Luke Haymes, his 11th goal in 38 games.

All-Star Break

The Marlies now go into the AHL All-Star Classic break, with their next game on Friday February 14 in Laval against the Rocket, followed by hosting the Rocket at the Family Dame at Scotiabank Arena on February 16.

One player who isn't getting a break is Artur Akhtyamov who will go the AHL All-Star Classic this week which is being hosted by the Rockford Ice Hogs, located in Illinois in an exurb of Chicago. Basically the Chicago equivalent of the Marlies but they play in Barrie instead of in Toronto.

John Gruden said that the trip was well earned. "He's been really good for us and there's a reason he got voted to the All-Star game. He's a great young talent who works extremely hard at his craft."

Bo Groulx added "He deserves it. He's been huge for us all year. He's been putting in the work on and off the ice," adding "He's going to come out even more confident after the break."

Gruden said the rest of the players have earned their time off. "The guys deserve a break. They've worked extremely hard this last month, since Christmas, they deserve some time away to recharge and then understand when we get back we've still got a lot of work to do."

Groulx said "I think it's just great to get away from the rink for a little bit, get some rest and get our minds right for a really big last stretch of the season."

The Marlies have played 17 games since Boxing Day and they have won 10 of them, while five of the losses have been in OT or a shootout, garnering an extra five standings points. Here is how the North Division looks as of this morning. The Marlies are still tied for third place with the Cleveland Monsters, though the Rochester Americans remain in the mix.

League wide, the Providence Bruins are at the top of the Eastern Conference, and the Grand Rapids Griffins are top of the Western Conference, both teams with 35 wins in 44/45 games, and looking like unstoppable forces. I have to think one of those two will make it all the way to the Calder Cup Final. The Marlies have lost both games to the Bruins played this season, but one was an OT loss, so there's hope for a pathway there.

The All-Star Classic is changed up this year to be on a Tuesday and Wednesday instead of the normal Sunday and Monday. One thing to watch out for will be news from AHL President Scott Howson's address to the media and the rumoured relocation of the Bridgeport Islanders to Hamilton at the newly renovated TD Coliseum. This may possibly be formally announced there. Having a Hamilton team back and the potential for back-to-back "QEW Coliseum Series" would be very fun.

Here's John Gruden post-game.

"Lovely Rockford," oh John.

Toronto Marlies