May 12, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Joe Colborne (32) controls the puck against the Boston Bruins during game six of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at the Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Bruins 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Marlies will attempt to tie their series at 2-2 when they take on the Griffins tonight in Grand Rapids. The Marlies dropped a close 5-4 decision on Wednesday night to fall behind in the series. The next two games will be played in Grand Rapids, so if the Marlies want to send the series back to Toronto they have to win at least one of those.

The Marlies had some additional help for Game 3 as Joe Colborne and Ryan Hamilton returned from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Colborne was held off the score sheet, but Hamilton was able to find the back of the net in a losing cause. Spencer Abbott also returned from an injury he suffered in the opening round. He chipped in with a goal and an assist.

The rest of the series could very well come down to special teams and in that area the Marlies would seem to have the edge. As we have been accustomed to seeing under coach Dallas Eakins, Toronto’s penalty kill leads the AHL in the post-season with a rate of over 90%. The Griffins on the other hand are operating with a power play at just 16.2%. If the Marlies can exploit this matchup, look for them to get back in the series.

March 15, 2012; Tampa FL, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mike Komisarek (8) shoots during the first period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Maple Leafs may have been eliminated from playoff action on Monday night, but the Toronto Marlies are still alive and well. The Marlies will be looking to take a 2-1 lead in their series against the Griffins when they visit Grand Rapids on Wednesday. Toronto will now play three straight games away from home and will host Games 6 and 7 if necessary.

The Marlies suffered a 7-0 blowout loss to the Griffins in Game 1 last Friday. Drew MacIntyre had an unusual off night as he gave up six goals, but his team-mates didn’t give him much help by getting out shot 38-25. Toronto rebounded the next day, however, to tie the series after a 4-2 win. The Marlies were powered by two goals from Greg Scott, and Will Acton chipped in with the game winner.

The squad could also receive some reinforcements for the rest of the series. Spencer Abbott is getting closer to returning from an injury he suffered in the first round and Jesse Blacker, Joe Colborne, and Ryan Hamilton are all eligible to rejoin the team after being with the Leafs for their series against the Boston Bruins.