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AHL Syracuse Crunch

Amerks Surge Past Crunch, 4-1

December 31, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Syracuse Crunch News Release


ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Syracuse took a 1-0 first-period lead New Year's Eve at Blue Cross Arena, but the Amerks scored the last four goals for a 4-1 victory over the Crunch. Syracuse is winless in three games, and 2-2 versus Rochester.

Tanner Richard's effort below the goal line helped create Syracuse's first goal eight minutes into the game. Yanni Gourde continued the possession and Cody Kunyk helped the puck to Slater Koekkoek in the high slot for a point shot that deflected past Amerks goalie Andrey Makarov.

Koekkoek's second goal of the season is his first since Nov. 1 at Binghamton. Gourde's helper increases his season points total to 27 (13g, 14a), second most on the Crunch. Kunyk's seventh assist is his second in three games.

The Amerks evened the score nine minutes later when Phil Varone's clean, right-circle faceoff win came to Jerome Leduc at the right point. His quick heave from near the blue line eluded Kristers Gudlevskis to tie the score, 1-1, Leduc's second goal of the year. Varone's team-leading point total increased to 29 points (8g, 21a).

A defensive-zone turnover from Syracuse led to Brodie Reid's fifth goal of the year, unassisted, at 7:42 of the second. Four minutes later Drew Bagnall set up Tim Schaller on a shorthanded breakaway. Zac Dalpe converted with several players crashing the Syracuse cage for his sixth goal of the season and a 3-1 Amerks lead.

Syracuse managed 15 shots on goal in the second period and eight more in the third, but couldn't break through again. In addition to the Rochester shorthanded goal, the Amerks stopped each of eight Syracuse power plays, the most chances in a game for the Crunch this year. The Amerks were stopped on each of their six man-up opportunities.

Coach Rob Zettler pulled Kristers Gudlevskis for an extra attacker with under three minutes left in the third, but Brayden Irwin potted an empty-net goal for Rochester at 18:40 to squelch Syracuse's hopes of a comeback.

Gudlevskis finished with 24 saves on 27 shots in his second consecutive loss. Makarov made 30 saves on 31 shots and was named the game's first star.

The Crunch turn the calendar to 2015 with road games Friday in Albany and Saturday Binghamton.

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American Hockey League Stories from December 31, 2014


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