The Rochester Americans and Syracuse Crunch began their best-of-five playoff series on Friday night at the Blue Cross Arena, and the Amerks came out on top in Game 1 of the North Division semifinals, edging the Crunch 3-2.
Isak Rosén sniped the game-winner with 9:39 left in regulation after Rochester blew a 2-0 lead, and that was the difference in the game despite Syracuse outshooting the Amerks 37-26.
Anton Wahlberg and Noah Ostlund scored in the first period for Rochester, while Dylan Duke and Jordy Bellerive found the back of the net for the Crunch.
Devon Levi turned aside 35 of the 37 shots he faced for the Amerks. Brandon Halverson made 23 saves for the Crunch.
The two teams will meet for Game 2 on Sunday at 3:05 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].