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AHL Syracuse Crunch

Kucherov's Hat Trick Carries Crunch Past Rochester

October 12, 2013 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Syracuse Crunch News Release


Syracuse, NY - Forward Nikita Kucherov recorded a hat trick as the Syracuse Crunch defeated the Rochester Americans in front of a sold out crowd at the Upstate University Hospital home opener at the War Memorial Arena.

The Crunch offense struck once at even-strength and four times on the man-advantage while netminder Riku Helenius posted 18 saves to earn the Crunch s first win of their 20th AHL season.

After a scoreless first period JT Brown opened the scoring 4:31 into the second stanza. Brown one-timed a feed from Kucherov past Americans goaltender Matt Hackett to give the Crunch a 1-0 lead. Vlad Namestnikov picked up his first of two helpers on the goal. The Crunch doubled their lead less than two minutes later at the 6:18 mark of the second period. Brett Connolly won a face-off back to Artem Sergeev, who beat Hackett for the defenseman s first professional goal.

Syracuse carried a 3-0 lead into the second intermission thanks to a power-play goal from Kucherov at the 16:48 mark of the second period. Kucherov struck again on the man-advantage less than 30 seconds into the final frame to bring the Crunch lead to 4-0.

Rochester right wing Jamie Tardif scored the American s only goal, ending Helenius shutout bid at the 5:30 mark of the third period. Phil Varone and Brayden McNabb assisted on the power-play tally.

Kucherov completed the hat trick and brought the final score to 5-1 with an even-strength goal 12:56 into the final frame.

Prior to the game 20-year season ticket holders and sponsors were invited on to the ice to help members of the 2012-13 Syracuse Crunch raise their East Division and Eastern Conference Banners.

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