The Syracuse Crunch dropped Game 1 of the North Division Semifinals on Friday night, falling 3-2 to the Cleveland Monsters at Rocket Arena. Syracuse erased part of a three-goal deficit with a strong push over the final two periods but could not complete the comeback as Cleveland took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series.
Syracuse fell behind early after Cleveland capitalized on a miscue behind the net to open the scoring just over four minutes into the game. The Monsters added two more goals in the opening period, including a late tally that put the Crunch in a 3-0 hole after one. Goaltender Jon Gillies started the game and made three saves before Brandon Halverson took over in the second period, stopping all nine shots he faced in relief.
Syracuse responded quickly in the middle frame, as Dylan Duke cut into the deficit less than two minutes in by finishing a breakaway chance. The momentum carried into the third period, where Mitchell Chaffee brought the Crunch within one after finishing a rebound opportunity created off a long shot from the point.
The Crunch controlled much of the final period, outshooting Cleveland 17-4 in the frame while generating sustained pressure in the offensive zone. Despite the surge, Syracuse was unable to find the equalizer against Cleveland goaltender Zach Sawchenko, who finished with 29 saves. Neither team had a power-play opportunity in the contest.
The Crunch will look to even the series when they face the Monsters in Game 2 on Sunday, April 26 at Rocket Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 3 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].