PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Syracuse Crunch dropped a 3-1 decision to the Providence Bruins tonight at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center.
Mike Halmo netted the only goal for the Crunch as the team moves to 16-7-0-3. The team picked up three of a possible six points in the second three-in-three of the season.
Kristers Gudlevskis made 32 saves for the Crunch, while Zane McIntyre earned the win with 25 saves for the Bruins. Syracuse was unable to convert on two power play opportunities, but successful killed all three Providence man-advantages.
The Bruins opened up scoring with 6:02 remaining in the first period. A.J. White stopped a clearing attempt and sent a centering pass to Chris Porter in the slot. He quickly redirected the puck back out to the left wing for Sean Kuraly to chip in.
Halmo evened the score 7:24 into the middle frame. While McIntyre was in the trapezoid trying to control the puck, Halmo stole it, wrapped around the back of the cage and backhanded the puck into the open net.
Halfway through the second period, the Bruins went back on top, 2-1. Jake DeBrusk got past the defense and beat Gudlevskis from the left circle. Assists went to Matt Grzelcyk and Alex Grant.
Frank Vatrano netted an empty net marker in the final minutes of the game off assists from Danton Heinen and Tommy Cross to secure the win and split the two-game season series, 1-1.
The Crunch return to the War Memorial Arena to host the Hartford Wolf Pack on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Syracuse Crunch single game and ticket packages for the 2016-17 season are on sale now and can be purchased either in person at the Crunch office located in the War Memorial Arena at 800 S. State St. in Syracuse or by calling the office at 315-473-4444. For the latest Crunch news, visit www.syracusecrunch.com or follow the club on Facebook (www.facebook.com/syracusecrunch), Twitter (@SyracuseCrunch) and Instagram (@syracusecrunch) using #SyrCrunch, #WeAreOne and #BLUnited.
Crunchables: Ben Thomas had a four-game points streak snapped (1g, 3a)…The Crunch are 10-for-10 on the penalty kill in their last three games.
