Magic number drops to one despite shutout loss

TOLEDO, Ohio – Brampton Beast netminder Etienne Marcoux turned away all 25 shots he faced to blank the Toledo Walleye by a 2-0 count on Friday before a sold-out crowd of 7,444 at the Huntington Center.

Although the Walleye (36-20-5-3) were handed their first shutout loss on home ice since Jan. 5, 2018 versus Cincinnati, their magic number to clinch a postseason spot dropped from three to one after Indy fell 5-2 at Wheeling.  Toledo was limited to 15 skaters for the second time in as many nights, with four forwards and three defensemen unavailable due to being injured or loaned to AHL clubs.

Brampton (31-26-5-1) opened the scoring 4:09 into the contest. After Anthony Beauregard gained the zone and found Francois Beauchemin at the top of the left circle, the latter’s centering pass was redirected into the top right corner by Daniel Ciampini.

The Walleye were unable to restore parity on a 5-on-3 lasting 37 seconds during a scoreless second period, but continued to add pressure after Miles Gendron was assessed a double-minor for high-sticking with 14:56 remaining in regulation. However, Brampton doubled its lead 1:20 later when Nathan Todd raced in from the left circle to bank his own rebound off Pat Nagle’s right skate and over the goalline. 

Brampton finished 0-for-4 on the power play, while Toledo could not cash in on seven opportunities. Nagle was saddled with the loss despite stopping 30-of-32 shots.The Walleye extended a franchise record with their 11th straight sellout, while their 26 capacity crowds this season are two short of matching a club high. What’s Next:The Walleye continue their five-game home stand on Sunday as they welcome the Fort Wayne Komets to the Huntington Center for a 5:15 p.m. puck drop.

Three Stars:1. Brampton – Etienne Marcoux (SO, 25 saves)2. Brampton – Daniel Ciampini (goal) 3. Brampton – Nathan Todd (shorthanded goal)