"There is much to ponder for Toronto Marlies head coach John Gruden as his team enters the short Christmas break. Facing a Belleville team short on confidence (one win in their last 11) and playing a third game in three days with travel, the Marlies simply didn't work as hard as their desperate opponent over the 60 minutes. The Marlies continue to take one step forward and two steps back in what is quickly turning into a frustrating 2025-26 season."
"The Marlies could not have gotten off to a better start. A pass down low by Chas Sharpe found Cédric Paré, who drove across the crease before slotting home inside three minutes. Belleville responded from the restart as Keean Washkurak's shot from the top of the left circle trickled through the five-hole of Vyacheslav Peksa. Toronto carried the majority of the play despite the setback, but they couldn't find a go-ahead goal. Borya Valis, Bo Groulx, and Alex Nylander (x2) didn't convert from high-danger positions."
John Gruden must evaluate the Toronto Marlies during the short Christmas break after a disappointing performance. Belleville, despite low confidence and heavy travel, outworked Toronto across 60 minutes. The Marlies scored early through Cédric Paré but surrendered goals to Keean Washkurak and Garrett Pilon. Toronto generated high-danger chances from Borya Valis, Bo Groulx, and Alex Nylander but failed to convert. Captain Logan Shaw missed a late equalizer and other high-quality opportunities were squandered, including an open net for Phillipe Daoust and a breakaway stopped by Peksa. Significant lineup changes appear likely for the rematch.
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