Latest Stats for the Syracuse Crunch:
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Regular season record (wins-losses-OT losses-SO losses): 19-19-8-1
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This past week’s results: A 5-4 loss at home to Rochester (2/5); a 6-3 loss at home to Springfield (2/6)
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Place in Eastern Conference: 12th
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Place in North Division: 6th
- Top scorer: Tanner Richard (7-24-31)
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Top scoring defenseman: Matt Taormina (10-18-28)
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Top defenseman, +/-: Matt Taormina (+2)
- Top scoring rookie: Anthony DeAngelo (4-23-27)
A rundown of the AHL’s new standings system can be found over at Syracuse.com.
That’s a wrap!
This week’s observation:
Rookie defenseman Anthony DeAngelo is certainly not the only player in need of a reality check on the Syracuse Crunch’s roster. But he is, by far, the one most in need of one.
DeAngelo has talent, anyone who watches him can see that. The problem isn’t with his talent. The problem is that he isn’t advancing his game from where he was when he first arrived in Syracuse this past fall. DeAngelo was expected to work on his discipline and his defensive zone play while also adjusting to the professional game and lifestyle. He’s done neither, and, at the end of the day, just doesn’t appear to know how to be a member of a team unit.
DeAngelo is second-to-last on the team in +/- with a -11. He is worst among the Crunch’s defensemen. His 27 points are tied with Tye McGinn and Mike Blunden for 4th place on the team, but he isn’t scoring at a pace that equals the goals that occur while he’s on the ice. DeAngelo needs to realize that the only person holding him back right now is himself.
This week’s compliment(s):
Adam Erne has been stepping up right when the Crunch need him. With injuries to Jeff Tambellini, Matthew Peca, Philippe Paradis, and David Broll, Syracuse needs the forwards who are healthy to step up more than ever. Erne made himself very visible Friday night, scoring two of the Crunch’s four goals. One of those goals was a power play marker. His +/- leaves a lot to be desired, so he does need to work on his defensive strategy, but he’s taking chances, getting shots on net, and trying to fill the current voids on the roster. That’s a tall order for a rookie who missed over a month of this season with an injury, and he should be recognized for it.
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.
-Syracuse released Andrew Yogan (C) and Kevin Lynch (C) from their professional tryout contracts last week (although many are not sure why, seeing how short Syracuse is on offense).
-Syracuse returned defenseman Charlie Dodero to Greenville of the ECHL last week.
-Syracuse dressed Crunch defenseman Daniel Walcott as a forward again this past 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 loss versus Rochester this past Friday and their loss versus Springfield this past Saturday:
