TORONTO — Alex Nedeljkovic made 33 saves as the Charlotte Checkers downed the Toronto Marlies 5-1 on Tuesday to take a 2-1 lead in the American Hockey League's Eastern Conference final.

Nedeljkovic lost his shutout on a Mason Marchment power-play goal with 2:10 left in the third period.

Patrick Brown had a goal and two assists to lead Charlotte's offence. Trevor Carrick, Tomas Jurco, Morgan Geekie and Andrew Poturalski also scored.

Kasimir Kaskisuo started in the Marlies net, allowing three goals on 22 shots through 39:43. Michael Hutchinson stopped 3-of-5 attempts the rest of the way.

Toronto hosts Game 4 of the best-of-seven series on Thursday.