Frustration followed finesse last weekend for the Syracuse Crunch. The city’s American Hockey Leaguers dispelled the Adirondack Phantoms 3-2 in Glens Falls Friday night before being shut out 1-0 by the Albany Devils Saturday at the Onondaga County War Memorial.
Coach Mark Holick’s squad skated circles around the Phantoms Friday as Syracuse’s offense was sparked by the return of right winger Kyle Palmieri, who’d been out of commission for three weeks with a groin injury. The 20-year-old Jersey boy scored his ninth goal of the season and passed to left winger Partick Maroon who tallied a power-play goal in the second period.
On Saturday at the Onondaga County war Memorial, the Crunch faced off against the Albany Devils, and fell 1-0. The Devils effectively slowed down the usually speedy Crunch, trapping Syracuse skaters in the neutral zone and limiting the home team to just 20 shots on goal. On the other side of the rink, Crunch goaltender Iiro Tarkki turned in an impressive performance, stopping 35 of 36 shots including several spectacular glove-saves.
Tarkki, a native of Finland, was named the MVP Health Care’s first star of the game for his efforts.
“I just played my basic game today and I was very lucky today,” Tarkki said after Saturday’s shut-out. “They had too many shots today. Almost 40 shots is too much. We have to keep it under 30.”
Bears & Phantoms due
The Syracuse Crunch continues its 2011-12 American Hockey League season with a couple home games against the Hershey Bears and the Adirondack Phantoms at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 118-19, respectively, at the Onondaga County War Memorial at State and Harrison streets, downtown.
The Crunch is the top farm club of the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks, while the Bears are affiliated with the Washington Capitals, and the Phantoms are farmhands of the Philadelphia Flyers.
Ticket prices range from $14 to $21; 473-4444.
Free tacos for fans
Taco Bell spices up the season with its “Crunch Win; Win a Taco” program. During the 2011-12 season, when the Crunch win at home all fans in attendance will receive a free beef crunchy taco. Fans have 48 hours after the game to redeem their dated ticket stubs at a local Taco Bell.
