AHL Syracuse Crunch

Crunch Extend Winning Streak in Rockford

November 1, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Syracuse Crunch News Release


Rockford, IL - The Syracuse Crunch defeated the Rockford Ice Hogs by a 3-2 count tonight in front of 4,551 fans at the MetroCentre. The win extended the club's winning streak to a season-high four games and increased its record to 7-1-0-0, the best start in franchise history.

The Crunch came out looking to get on the board early and did just that 2:46 into the opening frame. Jonathan Sigalet came down the right side and took a sharp-angle shot on goal. Tom Sestito barreled his way to the front of the night, found the rebound and swatted a backhand past Rockford starter Antii Niemi for the 1-0 advantage.

Good penalty killing from Rockford held Syracuse from extending its lead, as the Crunch went 0-for-3 on the power play, including a 5-on-3 for 1:03 near the end of the first.

Rockford's momentum carried over into the second period and Evan Brophey tied the game at 2-2 nine and a half minutes in. Brophey snuck behind the defense, skated in and beat Crunch starter Steve Mason low to the glove side.

The Ice Hogs took a 2-1 lead on the power play just under four minutes later. Niklas Hjalmarsson sent a slapper from the right point that found its way through a screened Mason to put Rockford ahead.

The score stayed that way until late in the third period. The Crunch took over the game late, as Sigalet scored twice in a 4:14 span, including the game-winner with 1:09 remaining in regulation.

Sigalet made it 2-2 with a shorthanded goal at the 14:37 mark when he was left all alone in front of the Rockford net, took a feed from Mike York and beat Niemi to the blocker side.

Sigalet put the Crunch ahead for good at the 18:51 mark when he streaked in down the left wing and sniped a wrister to the top corner from a sharp angle over the shoulder of Niemi.

Mason made a point-blank save in the final minute to seal the win. He stopped 19 of 21 shots on the night to earn his second straight victory.

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American Hockey League Stories from November 1, 2008


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