Syracuse Crunch find the win column behind rookie netminder

By Erik Erlendsson | @Erik_Erlendsson | Like us on Facebook
October 21, 2017

The Syracuse Crunch finally found a reward for their early season play.

The Crunch knocked off Springfield (Florida affiliate) 4-1 on Saturday at War Memorial for just their second victory of the season led by rookie goaltender Connor Ingram and veteran forward Michael Bournival.

Syracuse, the defending Eastern Conference champions, moved to 2-4-1 on the season.

See more below.

From Syracuse press release

Bournival led the Crunch with two goals, while Tye McGinn and Jason Akeson contributed one each. Adam Erne and Kevin Lynch had multi-point games with two assists.

Crunch netminder Connor Ingram earned his first professional win, stopping 22-of-23 shots. Samuel Montembeault turned aside 19-of-22 before being relieved Evan Cowley in the third period. Cowley stopped all three shots he faced. Syracuse was unable to convert on three power play opportunities and went 1-for-2 on the penalty kill.

The Crunch opened scoring late in the first period. Cory Conacher wrapped around the back of the net and threw the puck on goal. McGinn was parked in front of the cage to jam in the loose puck from behind Montembeault. Lynch contributed the secondary assist.

Syracuse doubled their lead with 5:16 remaining in the middle stanza. Erne cleared the zone for Akeson and Alexander Volkov to skate in on a 2-on-1. Akeson fired a low shot from the bottom of left of the circle that went five-hole.

Bournival made it 3-0 just 3:19 into the final frame. Erne sent a centering feed from the right wing side for the center to redirect in from the slot. Dominik Masin earned a point with the helper.

The Thunderbirds finally solved Ingram one minute later when Curtis Valk scored on the power play with the help of Jayce Hawryluk and Ed Wittchow.

With three seconds remaining in the game, Bournival added an empty net goal off assists from Lynch and Anthony Cirelli to secure victory.

The Crunch host the Toronto Marlies on Friday at 7 p.m. at the War Memorial Arena.

Crunchables: Jason Akeson’s last AHL goal came as a member of the Binghamton Senators on April 7 at the War Memorial Arena against the Crunch… Michael Bournival has scored in back-to-back games for the first time since May 24 and 26…Kevin Lynch had his first multi-point game since recording three points on March 15.