Marlies Take 2-0 Lead on Controversial Overtime Goal 

I'm not sure what happened between Games 1 and 2 of the Toronto Marlies' Eastern Conference Final series against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS) Penguins, but the Marlies looked like a completely different—and much better—team in Game 2. They won the game 2-1.

The Marlies Didn’t Play a Solid Game 1, but They Still Won.

Despite winning Game 1 4-2, the Marlies were badly outplayed and outshot 36-16. If not for stellar goaltending from Artur Akhtyamov and some timely scoring, the outcome could have been very different. Much of that game was spent in the Toronto zone, with the Marlies desperately hanging on.

Whenever they managed to clear the puck, it often seemed more about getting a much-needed line change than generating offence. While WBS created multiple scoring chances during extended possessions, most of Toronto's opportunities were one-and-done.

Game 2 Was a Different Story from the Opening Faceoff.

The Marlies came out flying, carrying the play for long stretches of the first period and maintaining that pace throughout the game. I wouldn't say they dominated—the Penguins are a very good team and generated plenty of dangerous chances of their own—but Toronto matched them chance for chance. The final shot count reflected that, with the Marlies holding a 39-34 edge.

Many 2-1 games are grind-it-out, low-event affairs. This wasn't one of them.

Both teams generated numerous scoring opportunities, with stretches of end-to-end action and extended offensive-zone pressure at both ends of the ice. It was an entertaining game to watch.

Controversial Is an Overused Expression, But in This Case It Fits.

I hate to use the word "controversial" because it's become overused in sports. Just because a goal is overturned after video review due to goalie interference or a high stick contacting the puck doesn't make it controversial—it's simply the rules being enforced.

That said, Michael Pezzetta's overtime winner—his second consecutive game-winning goal—might qualify.

With the Marlies pressing, Vinni Lettieri, under pressure and simply trying to keep the play alive, lofted the puck toward the net from just inside the Penguins' blue line. As the puck descended in front of the goal, Pezzetta, who was partially in the crease, and WBS goaltender Sergei Murashov both reached up with their gloves. Somehow, the puck found its way into the net.

The Referees Changed Their Minds on the Goal.

The referee immediately waved the goal off. Four minutes later, after a lengthy video review, he emerged from the penalty box, skated to centre ice, and signalled goal.

Unfortunately, viewers watching live were never shown the video angles available to the officials, so we were left to take the referee's word for it. TSN later aired a slow-motion replay that provided a much clearer look. The replay showed both Murashov and Pezzetta reaching for the puck as it dropped, with the puck appearing to deflect off Murashov's glove before crossing the goal line.

Pezzetta Could Have Been Called for Goalie Interference.

The potential controversy stems from what happened simultaneously. The replay also showed Pezzetta making contact with Murashov as the puck came down. One could argue that the contact constituted goalie interference and may have affected Murashov's ability to make the play.

Fortunately for the Marlies, the officials saw it differently.

Now the Marlies Lead the Series Two Games to None.

The goal stood, giving Toronto a 2-1 overtime victory and a commanding 2-0 series lead. The series now shifts to Toronto, where, due to the AHL's travel rules, the next three games will be played.