BY LINDSAY KRAMER
Syracuse, N.Y. — The last Syracuse Crunch practice of the season at the War Memorial on Monday felt a lot like the first one way back when, in what now seems like years ago.
There was excitement and fun, energy and, for the most part, good health. Head coach Ben Groulx attacked the immediate future much like he did in October, with optimism and focus.
The stakes now, of course, are much different. Instead of a sprawling schedule laid out in front of it, Syracuse has only one or two games left to play before the off-season.
And if this Crunch team winds up on the right side of the scoreboard twice more, it will forever become ingrained in the history of Syracuse sports.
The Syracuse Crunch head to Grand Rapids for Game 6 of the Calder Cup Finals trailing three games to two. Here are three reasons they can complete the comeback and win the series.
The Crunch can win its first Calder Cup if its bursts into Van Andel Arena, stands tall in the face of hostile crowds and earns two wins against Grand Rapids. The Griffins lead the best-of-seven Finals three games to two.
Game 6 is 7 p.m. Tuesday and Game 7, if necessary, would be Wednesday.
Syracuse won the very first AHL title, back in 1937. Since then, pro sports championships in this city have been rare indeed. The Chiefs have won seven International League titles in that span. The Syracuse Nats claimed the 1955 NBA crown. The Crunch reached the Calder Cup Finals in 2013 only to lose to, yes, Grand Rapids.
To their credit, the Crunch players seem to be aware of this hunger for another title and embrace the challenge of providing it. Veterans like Cory Conacher, Erik Condra and Mike McKenna have spoken passionately about winning not just for themselves but for their fans as well.
Those supporters have made their feelings about the Crunch very loud and clear, packing the War Memorial to an average of 5,779 fans per postseason home game.
“I was so happy Saturday night when we won that last game (Game 5) at home,” Groulx said Monday. “I think it was so good for our fans, the support they brought us. I read, at one point, that Cory Conacher said we want to bring a Cup to this city. We want this city to never forget us. And I think it’s going to be very special if we accomplish that.”
The Crunch has an appropriately tough final set of exams before it gets the chance to skate the Cup. Syracuse is 2-7 on the road this postseason, and Grand Rapids in 9-0 at home. That mark includes a pair of one-goal decisions over the Crunch in Games 1 and 2.
But returning from an off-day Sunday, the Crunch had the hop and attitude of a team that’s about to begin a journey, not end one.
And the only question that matters now is whether that will be a journey into history or heartbreak.
“The timing was great for us yesterday to stay out of the rink, come back here today, having a good practice, flying tonight there. I think our team’s mindset is great,” Groulx said. “Energy is good. Watch us skating. It’s impressive. Some guys are flying out there and there’s no sign of anyone being tired. I think we’re ready for tomorrow.
“We’re a good team. We believe in ourselves. We know they’re a good team, too. By winning last game we gave ourselves a chance. Our goal’s to win the Calder Cup. We know what we have to do. We’re ready to play in any building. We feel good about ourselves. We know what’s in front of us, and I think we’re up for a challenge.”
(Reprinted with permission of the Syracuse Crunch) (Syracuse Crunch Photo)
