Jan8

Marlies Moments – By Barry Schickling

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Thirty-four players have seen action for the Toronto Marlies heading into the first weekend of the new year. And despite what has been a regular turnover in personnel as a result of injuries and call-ups, the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate has maintained the top position in the North Division for the first half of the season.

A few hiccups along the way were to be expected. But with 43 points in 36 games, including a stellar 11-2-2-1 mark at Ricoh Coliseum, it’s hard to imagine how things could have gone much better so far in 2011-12. Some extra good news was received this week when it was announced that Marlies’ forwards Joe Colborne and Nazem Kadri were named to the AHL’s Western Conference All-Star team.

Although Kadri is playing with the Maple Leafs and his participation at the league’s showcase event at the end of January in Atlantic City, N.J. is unlikely, the fact remains that there are a number of Toronto players who could have received consideration to be recognized as all-stars. But in addition to winning, the Marlies are responsible for having players ready when the NHL call comes. Four who have seen time with the AHL club this year are now playing their home games at the Air Canada Centre.

The Marlies have the best penalty killing in the league, are eighth in the league in goals against per game and have five shutouts this season (including three from the recently smoking-hot Jussi Rynnas). In addition, they’ve led 14 games after two periods this season and won them all. The numbers prove that the Marlies are paying attention in their own end and doing a lot of little things properly when they don’t have possession of the puck.

Here is a brief look at some of the top performers over the last few weeks. (with AHL statistics in parentheses):

Joe Colborne – His point-per-game clip helped him earn that all-star spot. But the 6-5 center from Calgary has turned some heads with his shooting percentage of 19%. He’s usually seeing the opponents’ top line and he’s handling tasks at both ends of the ice quite well. (25 GP — 11 G – 13 A – plus-4 — 8 PIM)

Jerry D’Amigo – One of just four players to see action in every game so far, the Binghamton, N.Y. native had at least a point in five of his last six games heading into the first weekend of January. He leads the team with three game-winning goals. (36 GP — 9 G – 11 A – plus-6 — 16 PIM)

Jussi Rynnas – After starting the season with a shutout it was a bumpy ride for the 6-5 native of Finland, in his second year with the club. But look out now. He’s allowed just one goal in his last three starts and he’s gotten his stats back to respectable levels. (14 GP – 7-7-0 – 2.70 GAA — .908 SV% — 3 shutouts)

Mike Zigomanis – With nine points in his last six games, the team’s scoring leader is still a reliable contributor and he’s as good in the face-off circle as anyone in the league. He’s fourth in the AHL in power-play assists and 18^th in points. (33 GP — 7 G – 25A – minus-3 — 24 PIM)