Binghamton Senators 2, Syracuse Crunch 1

Robin Lehner out-duelled Dustin Tokarski in Syracuse Friday night, leading the Binghamton Senators to a 2-1 win over the Crunch.  Tyler Eckford scored both goals for the Sens, who won their fifth straight game and moved within 2 points of the division-leading Crunch.

Mar 2, 2012; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Ottawa Senators goalie Robin Lehner (40) makes a save in third period against the Chicago Blackhawks at Scotiabank Place. The Blackhawks defeated the Senators 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-US PRESSWIRE

Eckford’s goals both came before the ice was dry, finding the net 1:13 into the first, and then doubling the lead 1:11 into the third.  A power play goal from Richard Panik 6:12 into the third brought the Crunch close, but that was the only one of 31 shots to beat Lehner. A last minute power play kept it interesting until the end, but the equalizer was not to be had.

Binghamton returns home to face Bridgeport on Saturday to complete a hectic Thanksgiving weekend. Bridgeport comes in having lost two in a row, including a 7-5 setback Friday night against Connecticut.  The Tigers are strong offensively but also allow a lot of goals, so like Thursday’s game against Toronto, it will be offense vs. defense on Saturday night.