TORONTO -- Carter Ashton hasnt scored in 30 NHL games this season, but he knows how to put the puck in the back of the net in the American Hockey League. Matthew Dellavedova Jersey . Ashton scored a hat trick -- giving him 13 goals in 16 AHL games this season -- to power the Toronto Marlies to a 5-2 victory over the visiting Lake Erie Monsters in AHL action on Sunday. "He took the game over," said Marlies coach Steve Spott. "You see what he can do at this level. "Hes going to have to find that same confidence and swagger when he plays for the (NHL parent) Maple Leafs. Here in the AHL, he does a nice job, he maintains possession of the puck, he uses his body, uses his speed, and it becomes a weapon for him. He just needs to find the confidence to do that at the next level." Ashton broke a 2-2 tie -- and completed his hat trick -- during a goal-mouth scramble when he deposited a rebound into the net past Monsters goalie Calvin Pickard at 6:16 of the third period. Defenceman T.J. Brennan, with his team-leading 21st of the season, gave the Marlies a two-goal cushion 45 seconds later when his point shot trickled through Pickards legs. Brandon Kozun closed out the scoring with an empty-netter at 17:51. "Its definitely a process, so to come back down and get these games and some good ice time, thats good for me," Ashton said. "And we finished off our homestand with a win, so thats great." Toronto went 7-3-0 on its 10-game homestand and improved to 33-18-4 on the season, good for first place in the North Division. Ashtons linemates, Spencer Abbott and Greg McKegg, collected two assists apiece in front of 4,351 fans at Ricoh Coliseum. Joey Hishon and Mike Sgarbossa replied for the Monsters, who dropped their second game in a row to fall to 23-26-6. "Give Lake Erie credit, they found a way to get back into it after a two-goal deficit," said Spott, who watched the Monsters strike twice in the latter stages of the second period after Toronto had staked a 2-0 lead. "We knew we were at home, playing the last period of a 10-game homestand, and we wanted to take advantage of it. I give our guys a lot of credit for the way they played the final 20 minutes." Marlies goalie Drew MacIntyre was sharp making 26 saves, while Pickard stopped 18 of 22 shots. Toronto led 1-0 after the first period and the score was tied 2-2 through 40 minutes. The Marlies opened the scoring 53 seconds into the first period when Ashton took a pass from Spencer Abbott in the slot, cut to the left and whipped a wrist shot past Pickards blocker. The Monsters had some chances of their own in the opening frame -- including a two-minute 5-on-3 power play and a breakaway by right winger Guillaume Desbiens -- but they couldnt beat MacIntyre. Ashton gave the Marlies a two-goal edge when he deflected Greg McKeggs point shot past a screened Pickard at 10:02 of the second period. The advantage was shortlived, however, as Hishon put the Monsters on the scoreboard 52 seconds later when he redirected a slapshot past MacIntyre. Sgarbossa tied it up when he whacked in a rebound for a power-play goal at 18:35 of the middle frame. Ashton regained the lead for Toronto with his third goal of the game at 6:16 of the third period, and Brennans goal 45 seconds later sealed the win for the Marlies. Kozun capped the scoring with an empty-netter at 17:51 Toronto went 0 for 3 on the power play while Lake Erie was 1 for 6. The Marlies and Monsters are off until next weekend, when Toronto visits Lake Erie for back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday. Khris Middleton Jersey . With the players association in the midst of meetings in Las Vegas, a vote will be held on Friday to decide the CFLPAs presidency and other executive positions. Jabari Parker Jersey . So they rushed to re-sign the first baseman who general manager Ben Cherington described Friday as "a unique player." The World Series champions finalized a $32 million, two-year agreement Thursday with the slugging former catcher who turned into a surprisingly good defender. http://www.nbabucksproshop.com/Authentic-Malcolm-Brogdon-Bucks-Jersey/ . Next up is another showdown with Michigan. Payne scored 18 points, Branden Dawson had 14 and No. 22 Michigan State beat No. 12 Wisconsin 83-75 on Saturday to reach the Big Ten tournament championship.TSN Radio 1050 Maple Leafs reporter Jonas Siegel addresses five questions as training camp unfolds this week in Toronto. First up, the defence. Perhaps the greatest unknown on the roster – as to its assembly or construct – the Toronto defence remained more or less intact from 2013, save for added depth in the form of Paul Ranger and T.J. Brennan. Stability with this group will therefore hinge (in all likelihood) on the revival of Jake Gardiner and to a lesser degree, the continued ascension of Cody Franson (as yet unsigned). Gardiner is the variable who could in some ways make or break the Leafs blueline. The 23-year-old rode the waves of turbulence a year ago, battling the lingering undercurrent of a concussion and its after-effects. He re-emerged as a bright spot in the playoffs, busting out with five points in six games against the Bruins. That player, the one who made noise with his legs, aggressiveness and unpredictability, is the one the Leafs need to return this season. Its that Gardiner who can dictate the action and alter a shift in an instant with an icy swagger, elements that are unseen elsewhere on this roster (Morgan Rielly not withstanding). His efforts will still require and certainly receive much prodding from Carlyle, primarily as it relates to his assertiveness and positioning in the defensive zone, but that ability to make something out of nothing with the puck is what the Leafs desire and missed last season. Franson saw his role grow and grow last season, from under 14 minutes in January to upwards of 22 in April, and the now 26-year-old delivered, finishing amongst the leaders at his position in scoring. In addition to his increased responsibility, which included first duty power-play, Franson also showed more assertiveness defensively, with prodding from Carlyle paying dividends. A breakthrough 2013 continued in the postseason, with the B.C. native and unsigned restricted free agent adding three goals and six points in nearly 23 minutes against the Bruins. He and Gardiner teamed together in the final three games of the first round against Boston – with Fraser sidelined – and proved Torontos most effective pair, a preview perhaps of what Carlyle may opt for this season. If the Leafs can achieve stability beyond their predicted top pair of Dion Phaneuf and Carl Gunnarsson from a second pair of Gardiner and Franson then the assembled group may just be deep enough with NHL experience to get by. Ray Allen Jersey. Beyond the aforementioned, the final three spots figure to be assumed initially by some combination of Mark Fraser, John-Michael Liles, Paul Ranger, Korbinian Holzer, T.J. Brennan and perhaps, though it would seem unlikely – considering the risks and cap crunch – Morgan Rielly. While by no means a certainty Fraser would seem to have locked up a spot considering the rarity of his skill-set in this group – an edgy stay-at-home defender – and performance in such a role last season. Ranger too, would be inclined to hold a spot. The former Lightning defender impressed Toronto brass in his stint with the Marlies last season, his gifts of old – easy mobility, NHL-caliber first pass, sturdiness defensively – rediscovered in relatively short order following a lengthy absence from the game. That would leave one spot to Liles, Holzer, Brennan or Rielly. The Leafs would be thrilled if the Liles from two years ago flourishes once more – though his fit under Carlyle will always be in question. Holzer struggled in his NHL duties last season though he was miscast for a role on the top pairing with Phaneuf and may perform more effectively on a bottom pair. Brennan meanwhile, joins the organization from Florida and projects as more of a depth defenceman at this point. Rielly is the wild card in many respects. The organization can opt to keep him with the NHL club – with a nine-game trial period – or send him back to junior in Moose Jaw. Regardless of his apparent readiness in training camp, the decision is complicated both by the cap considerations (Rielly is due significant change with the Leafs tight under the cap) and the inherent risks of holding onto a teenager and thus burning a year of his entry-level eligibility. Carlyle kept Cam Fowler as a teenager in Anaheim so hes evidently not against the prospect if he deems Rielly ready for the challenge, especially in the defensive zone. With a Gardiner revival, Franson progression and the likelihood of an improved third pairing with greater NHL depth, the Leaf defence may prove steady. Gardiner is ultimately the key; his return to previous performance allows the likes of Fraser, Ranger, Liles etc. to fall into suitable positions within the lineup. 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