The Toronto Marlies defeated the Chicago Wolves 4-2 at Allstate Arena on Friday, June 12, 2026, to open the best-of-seven Calder Cup Final with a victory.
Forward Vinni Lettieri broke a 2-2 tie with 8:28 remaining in regulation, then added an empty-net goal with nine seconds left to seal the win.
Lettieri finished with three points, also assisting on Toronto's first goal by rookie defenseman Ben Danford.
The Marlies have now won five consecutive road games in the playoffs, improving their postseason away record to 8-3.
They outshot Chicago 28-25.
Marlies goaltender Artur Akhtyamov made 26 saves in his league-leading 18th playoff start. Chicago's Amir Miftakhov stopped 21 shots in his third straight start.
Chicago opened the scoring at 11:24 of the first period on a goal by Bradly Nadeau. Danford equalized for Toronto with 2:15 left in the frame.
Skyler Brind'Amour put Chicago ahead again at 14:13 of the second period during a 2-on-1 rush, but Toronto's Cédric Paré tied the game in the final minute of the period.
The series features a coaching matchup between Toronto head coach John Gruden and Chicago head coach Spiros Anastas.
Gruden, a former NHL assistant under Barry Trotz and Jim Montgomery, emphasized learning from Hall of Fame coaches.
Anastas previously won a Calder Cup as an assistant with Grand Rapids.
Game 2 is Sunday afternoon in Chicago before the series moves to Toronto.
