Crunch Downed by Marlies, 2-1, in Overtime
Published on January 1, 2026 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Syracuse Crunch News Release
Syracuse Crunch defenseman Tommy Miller (right) vs. the Toronto Marlies
(Syracuse Crunch, Credit: Toronto Marlies)
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The Syracuse Crunch were downed by the Toronto Marlies, 2-1, in overtime this afternoon at Coca-Cola Coliseum.
The Crunch earned a standings point moving to 17-11-2-1 on the season and 1-0-1-0 in the four-game seasons series with the Marlies.
Crunch goaltender Brandon Halverson put a stop to 15-of-17 shots faced. Artur Akhtyamov earned the win turning aside 34-of-35 shots in net for the Marlies. Syracuse special teams converted on 1-of-6 power play opportunities while holding Toronto scoreless on four man-advantages.
The Crunch opened scoring with a power-play goal with 43 seconds remaining in the first period. Nick Abruzzese passed the puck from the point to Conor Geekie in the right circle. Geekie fired a slapshot toward the net and it went off Dylan Duke's right hip and in.
After a scoreless second frame, the Marlies knotted the score with 7:46 remaining in regulation as Benoit-Olivier Groulx potted a shot from the left circle.
Alex Nylander scored from in front of the crease 1:37 into the overtime period to seal the victory for the Marlies.
The Crunch return home after three weeks on the road as they take on the Penguins on Saturday.
Ticket packages for the 2025-26 season are on sale now and can be purchased in person at the Crunch office located inside the Upstate Medical University Arena at Onondaga County War Memorial at 800 S. State St. in Syracuse, by calling the office at 315-473-4444 or online through Ticketmaster. For the latest Crunch news, visit www.syracusecrunch.com or follow the club on Facebook (www.facebook.com/syracusecrunch), X (@SyracuseCrunch) and Instagram (@syracusecrunch).
Crunchables: Dylan Duke has goals in back-to-back games...Wyatt Newpower made his Crunch debut this afternoon...Nick Abruzzese has an assist in five straight games.
Images from this story
 Syracuse Crunch forward Jakob Pelletier vs. the Toronto Marlies (Toronto Marlies) |
 Syracuse Crunch forward Brendan Furry (right) vs. the Toronto Marlies (Toronto Marlies) |
 Syracuse Crunch defenseman Tommy Miller (right) vs. the Toronto Marlies (Toronto Marlies) |
American Hockey League Stories from January 1, 2026
- Calgary Strikes Three Times on Power Play to Upend Eagles, 3-2 in OT - Colorado Eagles
- Crunch Downed by Marlies, 2-1, in Overtime - Syracuse Crunch
- Heartwarming and Iconic Teddy Bear Toss Held in Hershey, PA this Sunday, January 4 - Hershey Bears
- Zach Dean Cleared by NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program - Springfield Thunderbirds
- Penguins Recall Forwards Brayden Edwards, Zach Urdahl - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
- Winning Wednesday Upcoming for Griffins - Grand Rapids Griffins
- New York Rangers Recall Three from Hartford Wolf Pack - Hartford Wolf Pack
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