Syracuse Crunch crush Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 6-0

It was a fresh start to the new year for the Syracuse Crunch who clinched a dominant victory over Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins. The Crunch secured the much needed win with a four-game losing streak highering the stakes of the match.    

It was a first period to remember for the Syracuse Crunch. Five goals were scored by five different players and it only took the Crunch two minutes to find themselves on the scoresheet. That’s thanks to Tristan Allard who cashed in on the chance between the hash marks to put Syracuse up 1-0. Syracuse has a 10-3-1-1 record when scoring first, compared to the Penguins’ 15-2-1-1 record when scoring first.

“I think we just came to play,” Head coach Joel Bouchard said. “The guys believe in the structure and believe in our process. Tonight our shooting was very good early, and we got to the net.”

Just 52 seconds later, Dylan Duke would follow suit, recording his 14th goal of the season and marking goals in three straight. He has six goals in his last nine games, leading the Crunch during that span. 

“He’s pushing himself to be the best version that he can be all the time,” Bouchard said. “We’re happy he’s getting what he deserves. He’s a leader on and off the ice.”

 Shortly after, Jarred Tinordi joined the party, netting his first of the season and extending the Syracuse lead up to 3-0 just under five minutes into the contest.    

In the later stages of the first, Jakob Pelletier notched his 16th, and Conor Geekie scored his 9th, joining the scoring fray. Pelletier ended the night with two points, moving his point total to 35. Geekie recorded a 3-point night with his goal, adding two apples, bringing his point total to 29 making him 3rd-best on the team.    

Sergei Murashov started the game for the Penguins, but after stopping 6-11 shots, he was pulled going into the second for Filip Larsson, who went on to turn aside 19 of 20 shots for his squad. Syracuse goaltender Brandon Halverson would turn aside all 17 shots he faced for the Crunch, recording the shutout.

“He stepped up with a few big saves when we needed them,” Bouchard said. “It was a good game for him.” 

Just 45 seconds into the third period, Syracuse would strike on the power play, as Nick Abruzzese sent home the Crunch’s 6th goal of the game and recording his 30th point of the season.  The Crunch converted two of its six power-play chances while shutting down the Penguins’ four chances with the man advantage.   

Syracuse continued to hold the Penguins for the remainder of the game, moving to 18-11-2-1 on the season.   

The Crunch welcome North Division rival Rochester Americans on Wednesday.