TORONTO — Andreas Johnsson struck twice to lead the Toronto Marlies past the Utica Comets 5-2 on Saturday afternoon in the American Hockey League.

Brendan Leipsic scored and added three assists for Toronto (1-0-0), while Andrew Nielsen had a goal and two helpers. Nikita Soshnikov added a single. Garret Sparks made 27 saves for the Maple Leafs' minor-league club.

Curtis Valk and Alexandre Grenier replied for Utica (0-1-0), the AHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks. Richard Bachman stopped 29 shots in net.

The Marlies went 4 for 7 on the power play and the Comets were 1 for 6 with the man advantage.

Leipsic's goal at the 9:09 mark of the second period was the eventual winner.