Toronto Marlies beat Laval Rocket, advance to AHL North Division final

The Toronto Maple Leafs have the last Canadian AHL affiliate standing in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

The Toronto Marlies beat the host Laval Rocket 3-2 in a winner-take-all Game 5 of their second-round series on Saturday, sending the Leafs’ farm club to the North Division final against the Cleveland Monsters.

The Marlies fought back from a 2-1 deficit after 40 minutes against the Montreal Canadiens affiliate, getting third-period goals from Reese Johnson and Vinni Lettieri.

Lettieri is tied for the AHL lead with five playoff goals.

Blake Smith also scored for Toronto, while 2022 Canadiens second-round pick Owen Beck scored both goals for Laval.

The Monsters, a Columbus Blue Jackets affiliate, host Game 1 of the best-of-five North Division final on Thursday.