2
0
Syracuse takes a quantum leap forward in their playoff pursuit.
SYR-5
BEL-2
Brandon Halverson allowed two goals on 22 shots for the victory.
First Period
3:11 SYR Dumont (2), (Fortier)
13:53 SYR Schmidt (3), (unassisted)
Second Period
4:53 SYR Duke (17), (Crozier, Szturc)
9:24 SYR Geekie (8), (Sheary, Pouliot)(PP)
15:25 BEL Jenik (11), (Davies, Daoust)
Third Period
5:43 BEL Daoust (5), (Bourgault, Jenik)
15:23 SYR Geekie (9), (Sheary, Pouliot)(PP)
Conor Geekie, Conor Sheary, and Dylan Duke were the game’s three stars.
At this hour, the Crunch have to feel somewhat secure about making the playoffs for the first time all season. After a month or two filled with hyper-meaningful games with high stakes they had an opportunity tonight to finally put some significant distance between themselves and sixth place Belleville and they buried the Senators in resounding fashion. A greasy goal by their captain, Gabriel Dumont. A bit of a howler off a turnover to the point man Roman Schmidt, and the Crunch never looked back. They ended up chasing Belleville’s starter and outshooting the Sens 27-22 including 9-5 in the final frame when Belleville should’ve been throwing the kitchen sink at Halverson to try and save their season.
And Conor Geekie and Max Crozier continue to pile up numbers.
Earlier today Toronto dropped a 2-1 decision in OT at home to the Utica Comets. That means with tonight’s win not only have the Crunch moved five points up on the first team out, Belleville, but they’ve also leapfrogged Cleveland into fourth in the North Division and are now just two points behind the Marlies with a game in hand and a three game lead in the regulation wins tiebreaker. Oh by the way (checks schedule), Marlies at Crunch on Friday night. Pressure makes diamonds.
Box score from TheAHL.com.
