The Toronto Marlies played their last game of 2024 against the Belleville Senators on Dec. 28, a 4-3 win to finish December with a 7-3 record and a 17-5-2-3 record overall, heading into the new year.
The Marlies’ offence surged in December. They outscored their opponents 40-31, with four goals or more in four games, while their special teams were again key to their success. While the power play continues to struggle, the penalty kill remains one of the best in the league. Here’s a look at our three stars for December 2024.
Third Star: Joseph Blandisi
Joseph Blandisi‘s first nomination for Star of the Month came at the perfect time, given his performance in December, his best month this season with two goals and six assists in eight games. After scoring only three points in October and playing in only three games in November, his offensive surge in December bolstered the team’s third-line depth. Playing alongside Cedric Pare and Kyle Clifford, who just returned from injury, the third line demonstrates a strong offensive effort while playing gritty and physical to wear down their opponents.
On Dec. 21 against the Hershey Bears, Blandisi put up three points (one goal, two assists) to help the Marlies win a 7-3 blowout. He assisted on the team’s first goal, which was Clifford’s first goal and point of the season, and followed it up with an assist on Clifford’s second goal, which stood as the game-winner. He finished the night with an empty-netter. The third line was key to the win, with four goals and six assists on the night, and head coach John Gruden praised the line for their effort:
“They’re heavy,” said Gruden. “They play in straight lines and aren’t easy to contain. They’re big guys who aren’t afraid to get inside and aren’t afraid to lay their bodies on the line. Big game from them, and much needed.
This was a perfect scenario for Blandisi, who has often been a healthy scratch because his inability to generate offence and play reliable defence kept him out of the lineup. Now that his line has gained the head coach’s trust, he must keep the momentum rolling.
Second Star: Nick Abruzzese
Nick Abruzzese finished October with only two goals and an assist, and his shooting numbers were relatively low. In November, he capitalized on being moved up the lineup and recorded two goals and five points in 10 games, but December saw him take a significant step in his production. He scored…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at The Hockey Writers…