Syracuse Crunch 12/14/2011 9:18:00 PM

Crunch Knock Off Devils in OT

vs. Devils

Albany, NY (December 14, 2011) – Nick Bonino scored the game winning goal with 0.4 second remaining in overtime to give the Crunch a 3-2 win over the Albany Devils tonight at the Times Union Center.

The Crunch capitalized on the game's first man-advantage with a power-play tally from J.F. Jacques. With Albany's Joe Whitney serving two minutes for goal tender interference, Jacques' wrister beat Albany netminder Jeff Frazee high on the blocker side to give the Crunch a 1-0 lead 9:05 into the first period.

The Crunch and Devils battled at even strength for the majority of the second period with each time exchanging power plays in the final five minutes of the frame. The Crunch power-unit was unable to convert on a Vladimir Zharkov slashing penalty, while the Crunch penalty kill unit successfully killed a Trevor Ludwig hooking penalty at the end of the second and start of the third. The Devils outshot the Crunch 19-12 in the second period.

Albany ended Crunch goaltender Iiro Tarkki's shutout bid early in the third with a goal from left wing Zharkov just 2:48 into the final frame. The Devils took the lead just under three minutes later with a goal from center Steve Zalewski.

Albany's lead was short-lived as the Crunch responded 1:40 later when Jacques stole the puck in the Crunch's offensive zone and found Peter Holland who's one-timer beat Frazee to make it 2-2 with 12:36 to play in regulation.

Bonino secured the second point in tonight's contest scoring with just 0.4 remaining in overtime.

Crunchables: The Crunch are now 4-2-0-0 on Wednesday nights…Tonight's game was the first overtime contest for the Crunch since November 18 against Hershey (3-2 SO win)…The Crunch improve 8-4-0-0 in games immediately following a loss…The Crunch are 12-4-2-0 when scoring a power-play goal.

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