The Syracuse Crunch defeated the Utica Comets 3-2 Saturday night at NBT Bank Arena, overcoming an early deficit and stopping Utica’s final push in the American Hockey League matchup.
Utica opened the scoring only 2:06 into the first period. Gabe Klassen created the chance from the right side, setting up Mikael Diotte for a slap shot that beat Syracuse goaltender Olivier Rodrigue.
The Crunch answered about five minutes later. A battle near the crease ended with the puck coming off Comets goaltender David Rittich’s pads, and Tristan Allard put back the rebound for his first goal of the season. Syracuse then moved in front late in the second period when Elliot Desnoyers finished a power-play chance at 17:50.
Special teams and late response
Syracuse added an insurance goal 7:38 into the third period. Shawn Element generated multiple attempts during a scramble in front of the net before Gabriel Szturc sent the puck into the goal to make it 3-1.
The Comets cut the margin to one with 8:36 remaining. Ben Steeves found Riley Tufte in the high slot, and Tufte scored on a wrist shot. Syracuse protected the lead through the closing minutes.
- Rodrigue stopped 31 of 33 shots for Syracuse.
- Rittich made 13 saves on 16 shots for Utica.
- The Crunch went 1-for-3 on the power play and killed all three of Utica’s penalties.
- Jansen Harkins recorded two assists for Syracuse.
The victory ended Syracuse’s four-game skid and moved the Crunch to 6-6-3-0 this season. Saturday’s result also made the Crunch 1-1-0-0 against Utica in the clubs’ 12-game season series.
The teams will meet again as part of that series, while Syracuse’s next announced game is Wednesday at home against the Rochester Americans. The Comets’ next opponent and game date were not included in the team’s game account.
