UTICA, N.Y. – Joel Vermin scored just nine seconds into the game for an early Syracuse Crunch lead, but the Utica Comets rallied to net two power-play tallies and an empty net goal in the third period to gain control and take a 3-1 victory tonight at the Utica Memorial Auditorium.
The Crunch loss gives the Comets a 5-4 lead in the 10-game Galaxy Cup season series. Syracuse now moves to 32-28-10-4 on the season.
Crunch goaltender Kristers Gudlevskis stopped 22 shots. Joe Cannata recorded the win turning aside 18-of-19. Syracuse was unable to convert on six power-play opportunities, while Utica struck on 2-of-4 man-advantages.
The Crunch scored right off the opening draw. Tanner Richard won the faceoff and sent the puck back to Anthony DeAngelo. Vermin gained control at the blue line and beat Cannata on the breakway nine seconds into the contest.
Two man-up goals in the third period helped lift the Comets over the Crunch. At the 7:16 mark, Kenins passed down low to T.J. Hensick before skating in and redirecting the return feed from the slot. Jordan Subban earned a point for the secondary assist. With 4:40 remaining in the game, Alexandre Grenier ripped a slap shot from the left circle to take the lead. Brendan Gaunce and Hensick recorded the assists.
Andrey Pedan added a shorthanded empty net goal in the final minutes to secure a Comets victory.
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