Game 2: Syracuse Crunch v. Hershey Bears
Time: 7:30 P.M.
Upcoming Games
Game 3 Oct. 19, 7:00 p.m. ET at Albany Devils, Albany, NY
Game 4 Oct. 20, 7:00 p.m. ET at Binghamton Senators, Binghamton NY
Coverage
Follow @SyracuseCrunch on Twitter for live, in-game updates and SyracuseCrunch.com for recaps. Also listen on our radio station, The Score 1260. Fans can also watch live at www.ahllive.com
Close, But No Cigar
The Crunch lost a 6-5 heartbreaker in a shootout to the Rochester Americans last night, October 12. Last year's AHL MVP Cory Conacher, netted a goal, and was an integral part in the Crunch's three goal comeback. The Crunch trailed 4-1 with 16:38 left in the second period, but rattled off three goals in the next 24 minutes to tie the score. Tyler Johnson scored the game tying goal, and then scored two minutes later on the powerplay to give the Crunch a 5-4 advantage. Marc Mancari then took over for the Americans. He tied the score 5-5 with in regulation, and eventually won the game in the 5th round of the shootout. To read a full recap of last night's game click here.
Back to Back
The Crunch's game tonight is their second of the season, and the final in a back to back set. It is the first of three back-to-back sets the Crunch play this month. Including a three in three stretch next weekend. The Crunch have the week off before starting that triple header this Friday at Albany.
Bear Pride
The Hershey Bears, the Crunch's opponent tonight, has been one of the most successful AHL teams over the last few seasons. They made the playoffs with 88 points last season, and finished with 100 points in 2010-2011 to finish with second in the Eastern conference.
The Bears are led by goaltender Braden Holtby, who played in last year's NHL playoffs with the Capitals. He appeared in 40 games for the Bears last year and finished with a 20-15-2 record. In last year's NHL playoffs, Holtby led the Capitals to the Eastern Conference Semifinals before the team bowed out to the New York Rangers in a seven game series. He had a 1.95 GAA in the playoffs.
Hotlby isn't the only NHLer on the Bears. Defensemen Dmitry Orlov and Goaltender Dany Sabourin have also played in the NHL. Orlov was on the Capitals last season, and Sabourin has been in and out of the NHL and the AHL since the 2005-2006 season.
Like Father, Like Son
Syracuse Crunch center Vladislav Namestikinov played in his first North American professional game last night and picked up an assist. It's only been one game, but if he records a point again tonight, he will have at least two points in his first two games. Not bad for a 19 year old. Maybe Namestikinov's father and former Syracuse Crunch player, John, gave him some hints.
