Syracuse, NY (Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011) – Despite a 31 save performance by Crunch goaltender Iiro Tarkki and a perfect night for the Crunch penalty kill unit, the Crunch fell to the Lake Erie Monsters Saturday night, 3-2 in overtime. With a point tonight the Crunch have earned at least a point in each of their five games this season.

The Lake Erie Monsters struck first with a goal by center Adrian Foster with 4:06 remaining in the first period.  Foster's shot got by Tarkki, who was making his Syracuse Crunch home debut. Monster's right wing David Van der Gulik and center Greg Mauldin both picked up assists on the play.

Each team recorded six shots on goal during the first period.

The second period was an evenly fought battle until the final minute when Kyle Palmieri scored his eighth goal of the season with just 53 seconds remaining in the period. Monsters goaltender Trevor Cann was able to stop a Nicolas Deschamps breakaway but Palmieri was in the right place to put in the rebound and tie the game 1-1 going into the second intermission.

The Crunch's penalty kill unit was in top form tonight, killing six Monster Power Plays. Lake Erie's power play was perfect until the 10:39 mark Crunch defenseman, Nick Schaus took advantage of a Hugh Jessiman boarding call with a power play goal that put the Crunch up 2-1.

The Monsters answered back with a goal by Cameron Guance with just 2:22 remaining in the third period. Guance was assisted by Stefan Elliot and Luke Walker.

The Monsters secured their first win of the season when Elliot scored 3:24 into the extra period. Elliot's goal was his second point of the night. Eric Hunter and  Guance recorded assists on the play.

CRUNCHABLES: Nicolas Deschamps and Mat Clark  have played in every game of the Crunch/Ducks affiliation…Nick Schaus is a product of Buffalo and Syracuse youth hockey programs