Toronto Marlies score four goals in 3rd period to beat Stars in AHL

TORONTO - Josh Leivo and Jerry D’Amigo each scored a pair of third period goals as the Toronto Marlies came from behind to defeat the Texas Stars 4-1 in American Hockey League action Monday afternoon.

With the win, Toronto (29-17-4) avoided losing three straight for the second time this season.

Texas (30-16-7) took a 1-0 lead in the second period thanks to Brett Ritchie’s 12th of the season.

Christopher Nilstorp made 28 saves in the loss while Drew MacInytre stopped 30 shots for his 22nd win of the season.

Monday’s win was Toronto’s first in regulation over Texas this season. The loss was Texas’ first in regulation in five games (2-1-2).

Ritchie opened scoring at 15:15 in the second when he one-timed a pass from Mike Hedden past MacIntyre.

The Stars had an excellent chance to add to their lead at 6:51 of the third period on Colton Sceviour's shorthanded breakaway but MacIntyre turned the shot aside with his right pad.

Then 25 seconds later, Leivo tied it 1-1, on a power play, taking a pass from Greg McKegg at the side of the net and beating Nilstorp for his 11th of the season.

Texas had another chance to retake the lead at 8:30 of the third. With MacIntyre down and out, Scott Glennie put a puck on the net but T.J. Brennan was there to clear the rolling puck before it crossed the goal line.

D’Amigo gave Toronto a 2-1 lead at 9:59 of the third, chasing down a pass from Spencer Abbott and beating Nilstorp's five-hole for his 12th of the season. Leivo added his second of the night into an empty net at 18:22 of the third and, with 11 seconds remaining, D’Amigo added another empty netter.

With the win, the Marlies improve to 5-9-2 when trailing after two periods this season. Toronto continues its 10-game home stand Saturday when the San Antonio Rampage visit.