Falcons Crunched by Syracuse

Published on March 6, 2016 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release


Springfield, MA - The Springfield Falcons surrendered four goals in the third period on Sunday night, falling 6-3 to the Syracuse Crunch at the MassMutual Center.

The Falcons jumped out to an early 1-0 lead thanks to a five-on-three power play opportunity gifted to them via two Syracuse infractions in a 35 second span. On the two-man advantage, Alex Grant slid a pass down low to Brendan Shinnimin, who fired a shot top-shelf behind Adam Wilcox. The goal, Shinnimin's fourth of the year, was assisted by Grant and Philip Samuelsson at 3:31. The Crunch tied the game at the 10:43 mark as Joel Vermin polished off a nice passing play by depositing a Matthew Peca feed behind Niklas Treutle. Vermin's fourth of the season was assisted by Peca and Tye McGinn. Springfield regained the lead 1:05 later as Michael Bunting tipped a Dylan Reese shot behind Wilcox for his eighth goal of the season. The marker, scored at 15:47, was assisted by Reese and Laurent Dauphin.

In the second period, Syracuse kept the game at a 2-1 spread thanks to a few key saves from Wilcox, including one that came via a disastrous break. Charlie Dodero's stick snapped in half while recovering in the defensive zone and the puck squirted right to Matia Marcantuoni, who was given a glorious chance that Wilcox kicked wide. The save proved massive as the Crunch even things moments later on the power play. Mike Blunden picked up the puck in the slot and fired a one-timer past Treutle for his 20th of the season. The goal, scored at 10:46, was assisted by Tanner Richard and Anthony DeAngelo.

With the score tied at two, the Crunch applied massive amounts of pressure in the opening minutes of the third period. That pressure led to the breaking of the tie at 4:29 as DeAngelo snapped his sixth goal of the season past Treutle's glove. McGinn and Peca would each register helpers on the goal. Just over a minute later, the Falcons struck right back and evened things at three goals apiece. Craig Cunningham stormed the front of the net and slipped a backhand past Wilcox for his 18th of the year. The tally, scored at 5:47, was assisted by Jordan Szwarz and Shinnimin. Syracuse regained the lead with their second power play goal of the tilt, this time compliments of a Richard one-timer that beat Treutle glove-side. Adam Erne and DeAngelo recorded assists on Richard's ninth of the season, which was scored at 10:06. Syracuse added insurance at 16:47 when Blunden put home his second of the night, tapping-in a Yanni Gourde pass from the front of the net. Richard would also pick up an assist. The Crunch concluded the scoring as McGinn deposited his 19th of the season into an empty net at 18:49 to make it 6-3. Treutle made 27 saves in a losing effort, which saw his record fall to 9-13-5 on the season. Wilcox made 32 saves in the victory, which improved his record to 8-8-5.

The Falcons will be off until next Saturday night, when they host the Portland Pirates at 7:00 p.m. at the MassMutual Center. They will also host the Syracuse Crunch next Sunday afternoon at 5:00 p.m. Following the Sunday game is the free Friendly's post-game skate. To reserve your seats, call 413-739-GOAL (4625) or visit the team office inside the MassMutual Center Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For all the latest Falcons information and updates, follow the Birds at www.falconsahl.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/falconsahl and on Twitter (@TheFalconsAHL) using #YourTownYourTeam.

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American Hockey League Stories from March 6, 2016


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