Toronto Marlies give Maple Leafs a small taste of a 'Cup' originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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The Toronto Maple Leafs didn't have the season anyone wanted.
Their AHL affiliate Marlies, though? They are hoisting the Calder Cup.
The Marlies finished off the league championship on Friday night with a 4-3 win over the Chicago Wolves.
It's the first AHL title for the Marlies since 2018, and the second in franchise history.
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They needed just five games of the best-of-seven series to take care of Chicago.
On Friday, the Marlies fell behind 2-0 before rallying for the victory.
Of note to Maple Leafs fans: Easton Cowan dished out three assists.
"It's worth repeating: Cowan is the best player on the ice, and is absolutely cooking out there," wrote a reporter in the building, Arun Srinivasan. "Even when he turns the puck over, it's the result of Cowan knowing he can walk defenders and create space with ease."
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Landon Sim scored the first goal for the Marlies, followed by a tying goal from Bo Groulx.
Jacob Quillan notched the go-ahead goal before Vinni Lettieri made it 4-2.
Lettieri led all playoff scorers with both 11 goals and 26 points.
In a season where a lot went poorly for Toronto's organization, getting a Marlies ending like this one feels like at least a small victory.