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AHL Syracuse Crunch

Crunch Overwhelmed by Comets, 3-1

January 15, 2016 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Syracuse Crunch News Release


SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Mike Blunden ended a shutout bid for Joe Cannata late in the third period, but was unable to spark a comeback as the Syracuse Crunch were overwhelmed by the Utica Comets, 3-1, tonight at the War Memorial Arena.

Crunch goaltender Kristers Gudlevskis stopped 29 of 32 shots, while Comets netminder Cannata was 1:06 short of blanking the Crunch with a 26-save performance. The Syracuse penalty kill unit was perfect, shutting down all four Utica man-advantages. The Crunch were unable to convert on their four power play opportunities.

The Crunch are handed their fourth loss by the Comets this season and now sit at 1-4 in the 10-game season series and 16-15-6-1 on the year. The Comets snap a seven-game winless streak and move to 17-15-3-3.

Just 2:01 into the contest, Utica lit the lamp. Brandon Marino netted his first goal of the season from the slot off a pass from Brendan Gaunce. Alex Friesen picked up a point for the secondary assist.

Halfway through the first frame, the Comets struck again to build a 2-0 lead. Mike Zalewski ripped a slap shot with the help of Carter Bancks and Hunter Shinkaruk.

The Comets held off the Crunch during the second period and tallied their third maker 3:09 into the final frame. Gaunce capitalized on a turnover and beat Gudlevskis on a breakaway. Friesen recorded a multi-point night with the assist.

Just as it appeared Utica was going to shutout Syracuse, Blunden put the team on the board with 1:06 remaining. He received a pass from Tanner Richard and fired on net. It rung off the post and past Cannata. Tye McGinn grabbed the helper. However, the goal was not enough to mount a comeback and Syracuse fell to Utica, 3-1.

The Crunch host the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins tomorrow at 7 p.m. at the War Memorial Arena.

Syracuse Crunch single game and season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased either in person at the Crunch Box Office located in the War Memorial at 800 South State Street in Syracuse or by calling the office at 315-473-4444. For the latest Crunch news, visit www.syracusecrunch.com or follow the club on Facebook (www.facebook.com/syracusecrunch), Twitter (@SyracuseCrunch) and Instagram (@officialsyracusecrunch) using #SyrCrunch and #BelieveInBlue.

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