TORONTO — Cristoval Nieves's goal 3:33 into the third period stood up as the winner as the Hartford Wolf Pack edged the Toronto Marlies 3-2 on Saturday.

Justin Fontaine scored on the power play and Marek Hrivik added a short-handed goal, both in the first period, as the Wolf Pack (7-10-3) built up a 3-0 lead.

Magnus Hellberg made 27 saves for the New York Rangers' AHL affiliate.

William Wrenn and Kasperi Kapanen responded late in the third for the Marlies (10-8-2), who are on a three-game slide.

Kapanen's goal was his team-leading 10th of the year. Brendan Leipsic picked up an assist on the play to give him 24 points in 20 games, which has him tied for the league lead in scoring with Chicago Wolves defenceman Brad Hunt.

Garret Sparks got his first start since returning from a three-game suspension and stopped 27-of-30 shots for the Maple Leafs' AHL club.

Hartford went 1 for 4 on the power play while Toronto scored once on seven chances with the man advantage.