Syracuse: Crunching the Marlies

The Syracuse Crunch absolutely took it to the Toronto Marlies in the first game of their series in the 2nd round of the Calder Cup playoffs.

Final score 5:1.

..and it was in regulation!!

Lots of people on the scoreboard for the Crunch. Clay Wilson and Derek McKenzie each with a 1g and 2a. Derek Brassard stays hot chipping in 1g and a helper. DiCasmirro & Rycroft with with goals. Also Gilbert Brule scored his first point of the series collecting a helper on the first goal of the game.

Nice to see Adam Pineault back in the lineup after having to sit out all the playoff games with a groin injury. He collected a helper and was a key member of the PK.

Couple of fights as well with Zenon Konopka getting into a scrap just 3 seconds into the game setting the tone and also one late in the 3rd with the game in hand. Derek Dorsett also with a scrap at the tail end of the 1st.

Hell of a way to kick of the series but of course its just one game. The boys will need to keep the momentum going but signs are strong that their offense is getting hot.

Their next game is Sunday in Toronto.

In some other good news Team Canada led by CBJ bench boss Ken Hitchcock collected a win in their first game in the World Championships. Rick Nash collected a couple of helpers in their 5-1 win over Slovenia.

Team USA also knocked off their first opponent, Latvia, with a 4-0 score. All goals came on the PP.

-LTL