Latest Stats for the Syracuse Crunch:
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Regular season record (wins-losses-OT losses-SO losses): 17-15-6-1
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This past week’s results: A 4-3 overtime loss at Binghamton (1/13); a 3-1 loss versus Utica (1/15); a 4-2 victory versus Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (1/17)
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Place in Eastern Conference: 9th
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Place in North Division: 5th
- Top scorer: Jeff Tambellini (16-11-27)
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Top scoring defenseman: Matt Taormina (7-16-23)
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Top defenseman, +/-: Matt Taormina (+5)
- Top scoring rookie: Matthew Peca (4-17-21)
A rundown of the AHL’s new standings system can be found over at Syracuse.com.
That’s a wrap!
This week’s observation:
Consistency is going to be key going into the second half of the season. Many who watched the team play this past weekend were confused as to how the Crunch could play so disconnected and so dismally this past Friday at home (versus a divisional and state rival) and then play so well on Saturday. The Crunch still has too many moments where the players, regardless of how close they all keep saying they are, don’t seem to care about each other on the ice or care about their overall game as a team. Communication is still lacking and teamwork seems to be nonexistent at times.
Perhaps if these things were more consistent, players who flourished last season but seem to be struggling now would look more like their former selves.
This week’s compliment(s):
Crunch backup goalie Adam Wilcox played two games in December and has played three games in January to date. His usage has clearly been scattered, but his game has been anything but. Wilcox has risen to the occasion beautifully and has done exactly what the Crunch has needed him to do: come in and be clutch. His attitude through the rotating-goalie-situation with December with Andrei Vasilevskiy needing minutes and being assigned to Syracuse to get them was nothing but professional, and he’s managed to stay sharp despite a lack of playing consistency.
On another note, defenseman Luke Witkowski was scratched this past Friday night due to illness, but was back in the line up on Saturday. Kudos to him for visibly playing at his regular level despite, as one fan said, being so sick that he probably would have perished on the Oregon Trail miles ago.
Finally, assistant coach Trent Cull was observed showing signs of emotion Saturday night. One of the criticisms that fans have had of the current coaching tandem in Syracuse is that they show a lack of energy, direction, and emotion in support of their players during the games. Cull was very animated Saturday night at several points, and that level of interest and energy clearly affected the players on the bench in a positive way. It was good to see at least part of the coaching staff taking a visible interest in the game and not acting like they were just watching paint dry.
Other transactions, player, and organizational news:
-The Crunch are again participating in a Change for Change initiative this season, and are hoping to raise even more than last season with an extended campaign. Change for Change is an initiative created by Crunch Captain Mike Angelidis and his teammates that aims to raise money for pediatric cancer research at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital and help improve the odds for children with cancer. All TampaCuse fans can help out by donating through their Go Fund Me page.
-The AHL All-Star Classic is coming up quick. Tickets are still available. Here’s a complete list of the players headed to Syracuse for the weekend.
Syracuse Crunch media highlights:
- The Crunch’s SoundCloud has been updated with broadcasts and player interviews from the past week.
- A rundown of the Crunch’s promotional schedule so far can be found on their website.
- Be sure to use the hashtags #SyrCrunch, #BelieveInBlue, and #TampaCuse when tweeting about the team.
- Video highlights from the Crunch’s weekend:
