In an electrifying matchup at the Upstate Medical University Arena, the Syracuse Crunch dominated the Cleveland Monsters with a 6-3 victory. This win capped off a perfect three-in-three weekend for the Crunch, who outscored their opponents 17-8, pushing their season record to an impressive 38-19-3-2. They also claimed the four-game season series against Cleveland, finishing 2-1-1-0.
Brandon Halverson was solid between the pipes, turning away 26 of 29 shots, while Cleveland's Zach Sawchenko faced a tough night, stopping 13 of 18. The Crunch's power play didn’t find the back of the net on four opportunities, but their penalty kill was strong, going 3-for-4.
After a quiet first period, the Crunch exploded in the second with three goals in under three minutes. Nick Abruzzese set up the first with a slick backhand pass to Matthew Peca, who redirected it past Sawchenko.
Gabriel Szturc then danced through the defense to jam one in, followed by Dylan Duke's sharp wrister from a 2-on-1 rush, giving Syracuse a commanding 3-0 lead. Jakob Pelletier added a shorthanded breakaway goal late in the period, extending the lead to 4-0.
The Crunch continued their onslaught two minutes into the third. Szturc again was pivotal, sending a puck towards the net that Ethan Gauthier deflected in.
Cleveland finally responded seconds later with Brendan Gaunce capitalizing on a rebound. Owen Sillinger added another for the Monsters on a 5-on-3 power play, and Max McCue's late wrister brought them closer.
However, Pelletier sealed the deal with an empty-netter, securing the Crunch’s triumph.
Syracuse is set to host the Hershey Bears on Friday, ready to build on their momentum. Fans can grab tickets for the 2025-26 season at the Crunch office or online.
Crunchables: Jakob Pelletier is on a roll with the longest active points streak in the AHL at 13 games (6g, 13a). Matthew Peca netted his first Crunch goal this season, and Dylan Duke celebrated his 30th goal. The Crunch lead the league with 11 shorthanded goals, showcasing their dynamic play.