Senators ring in New Year with 4-1 victory against Syracuse

Published on December 31, 2005 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Binghamton Senators News Release


BINGHAMTON, NY - On Saturday night, the Binghamton Senators came out looking for their fifth victory in the last six contests and hoping to avenge their only loss of the week - a 4-3 loss in Syracuse on Wednesday. The Sens closed out the 2005 calendar year by accomplishing both of those goals with a 4-1 victory against the visiting Syracuse Crunch before a sell out crowd of 4,710.

Corey Pecker kicked off the scoring for the B-Sens just 3:05 into the opening frame. Jeff Heerema and Charlie Stephens each picked up assists on the power-play tally. The teams closed out the first period with a scoreless 17 minutes and Binghamton was able to take a 1-0 lead into the dressing room at the first intermission.

The Crunch came out firing in the second period and evened the score 1-1 thanks to Steven Goertzen's third goal of the year. The goal was unassisted.

Only three minutes later, Binghamton would take back the lead when Steve Martins found an opportunity to stuff home a shot from the point and took full advantage of it. Martins' 13th goal of the season, coming on the power play, gave his club a 2-1 lead early in the second period.

Heading into the third period, with a 2-1 lead, the Sens were able to put away their opposition. Grant Potulny continued his red-hot play, with a great solo effort, and recorded his fourth goal in the last two nights and put his team up 3-1. Martins then notched his second goal of the night halfway through the final stanza. Denis Hamel and Pecker were credited with the assists on Binghamton's fourth goal.

Billy Thompson was outstanding in net for the Sens. He posted one of his best performances of the season and made 36 saves for his fourth victory this year. Thompson earned first star of the game honors for his efforts. Ex-Ottawa Senators goaltender, Martin Prusek, manned the net for Syracuse and made 32 saves in the defeat.

The Sens power-play unit did its job Friday night with two goals on six opportunities. The penalty killing unit was also on top of its game and was able to shut down Syracuse on all seven of their power plays.

After a busy week that included five games in six nights, the Sens will be able to enjoy some much deserved rest and relaxation. The team will return to action on Friday, January 6 when they welcome the Rochester Americans to the Arena. The game is slated for a 7:05 p.m. face off and ticket information is available by calling 722-SENS.

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