Toronto Marlies stay alive in AHL playoffs with win over Grand Rapids Griffins

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Spencer Abbott scored and added two assists as the Toronto Marlies staved off post-season elimination Saturday night with a 4-1 win over the Grand Rapids Griffins in Game 5 of the American Hockey League Western Conference semifinal.

The Griffins still lead the series 3-2, but Toronto will host Game 6 on Tuesday, and if necessary, Game 7 on Wednesday.

Will Acton had a goal and an assist for the Marlies, while Mike Zigomanis and Morgan Rielly also scored. Drew MacIntyre made 32 saves for the win.

Luke Glendening had the lone goal for Grand Rapids, while Petr Mrazek stopped 20 shots.

After a scoreless first period, the Marlies scored twice in the final 10 minutes of the second period.

Acton's shot from the top deflected twice toward the goal, with Abbott knocking the second one in past Mrazek.

Toronto added another goal five minutes later when Abbott and Acton converted a 2-on-1 break in front of the Griffins' net.

Abbott delivered a touch pass to Acton, who deposited a shot into the right corner to give the Marlies a 2-0 lead. That goal would stand as the winner.

Grand Rapids had a pair of 5-on-3 advantages in the second, but Toronto's penalty kill turned away each chance.

The Marlies increased their lead to 3-0 less than three minutes into the third period on a power-play goal from Rielly.

Glending scored Grand Rapids' first goal four minutes later, but Toronto put the game out of reach on Zigomanis's power-play goal with seven minutes remaining in regulation.

Toronto was 2 of 7 on the power play, while the Griffins were 0 for 5. Grand Rapids outshot the Marlies 33-24.