The Syracuse Crunch dropped a 3-2 overtime decision to the Toronto Marlies on Friday at Upstate Medical University Arena, giving Syracuse one standings point and moving the team’s record to 5-6-3-0.
Ethan Gauthier scored both Crunch goals, including the early power-play opener and the third-period goal that forced overtime. Toronto’s Vinni Lettieri scored twice, including the winner one minute into the extra period while the Marlies were on the power play.
How the game unfolded
Syracuse struck first 2:32 into the game with a man-advantage goal. Dominic James began the play from the high slot and moved the puck to Nick Abruzzese, who quickly found Gauthier in the left circle for the finish.
Toronto answered at the 12:27 mark of the opening period. Borya Valis collected the puck near the post and scored on a wraparound attempt. The Marlies then took the lead 12:29 into the second period when Lettieri converted a power-play one-timer from the left circle after a setup from Benoit-Olivier Groulx.
Gauthier tied the game 1:14 into the third period. James sent the puck down low, and Gauthier swept it in from the bottom of the left circle to make it 2-2 and send the game to overtime.
- Gauthier: two goals, including the tying goal in the third period.
- Lettieri: two goals, including the overtime winner for Toronto.
- James and Abruzzese: two assists apiece for Syracuse.
- Olivier Rodrigue: 24 saves on 27 shots for the Crunch.
- Artur Akhtyamov: 14 saves on 16 shots in the Marlies’ win.
Special teams and next game
Syracuse went 1-for-4 on the power play, while Toronto finished 3-for-4. Lettieri’s overtime goal came on the Marlies’ third successful power-play opportunity.
The Crunch will travel to face the Utica Comets on Saturday. The game will be Syracuse’s next opportunity to add to its standings total after the overtime loss.
Friday’s game also marked milestones for two Syracuse players. Steven Santini appeared in his 400th AHL game, while Matteo Pietroniro played in his 200th AHL game.
