CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mason Marchment's goal 57 seconds into the third period was the winner as the Toronto Marlies edged the Charlotte Checkers 2-1 on Friday to open the American Hockey League's Eastern Conference final.

Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is in Charlotte, N.C., on Saturday.

Dmytro Timashov had a power-play goal early in the second period for the Marlies, the AHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Goaltender Kasimir Kaskisuo made 26 saves for the win.

Haydn Fleury's goal at the 12:07 mark of the second period tied it for Charlotte, while Alex Nedeljkovic stopped 26 shots in net.

Toronto went 1 for 2 on the power play and the Checkers could not score on their two man advantages.