HARTFORD, Conn. – Brian Hart opened scoring for the Syracuse Crunch just 2:30 into the game, but the Hartford Wolf Pack evened the score within 15 seconds and went on to take the win, 2-1, in a shootout tonight at the XL Center.
Despite the loss, the Crunch pick up one point to start their second three-in-three of the season and move to 15-6-0-3 on the season. The Wolf Pack take a 1-0 lead in the two-game season series that will conclude in Syracuse on Dec. 21.
Adam Wilcox stopped 28-of-29 shots on goal for the Crunch, but allowed both shootout attempts. Wolf Pack goaltender Brandon Halverson made 26 saves and stopped both shootout shooters. Syracuse was unable to convert on two power play opportunities, but was a perfect 3-for-3 on the penalty kill.
The Crunch were first to strike, but held the lead briefly before the Wolf Pack evened the game. Adam Erne carried the puck down the left wing and sent a slap shot on net. The shot was stopped, but the rebound dropped down in front of the crease for Hart to chip in. Ben Thomas earned a point for the secondary assist. Just 15 seconds later, Adam Tambellini received the puck alone in the slot and beat Wilcox. Assists went to Robin Kovacs and Nicklas Jensen.
The teams remained knotted through regulation and the overtime frame before heading to a shootout to decide a victor. Halverson stopped both Crunch shooters, while Tambellini and Jensen both scored to take the win in two rounds.
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