The Syracuse Crunch play host’s to the Binghamton Senators in this the third game of eight scheduled this season between the two rivals. Senators have earned five out of six points in their last three games as this kicks off the first of two this weekend.
(7-8-2-1, 17 pts) 4th in East Division
@
(10-6-3-0, 23 pts) 2nd in NorthEast Division
7:00 PM
War Memorial at Oncenter
RADIO: 96.9 FM, 680 AM. AHL Live
MATCHUP HISTORY
Binghamton has lost both games against Syracuse this season, losing 4-2 away on Oct 18th and 6-3 on home ice Nov 1st.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jonathan Marchessault, SYR – The 23-year-old out of Cap-Rouge, Que. leads the Crunch with 7 goals and 18 points in 18 games as his short frame is surprisingly versatile as a table setter with his team leading 11 assists.
Shane Prince, BNG – The third year pro had a big game on Wednesday scoring two goals in the 4-3 SO loss to St.John’s. He is tied with Jean-Gabriel Pageau for second with 13 points (6 goals 7 assists, 16 gm) and continues gain confidence on the ice.
TOP 3 STORYLINES FOR THE GAME
1. Senators Need to Bounce Back – After Wednesday’s third period collapse which was painful to watch while wasting two good periods before, the players need to put that aside and learn from their mistakes and not take any lead thinking this one is in the bag, because that didn’t work.
2. Syracuse Not a Special Teams Force – The Crunch are next to last on the power play at 10.8% while the penalty kill is 25th at 80%. Senators are 5th at 21% and 22nd with a 81.2% success rate respectively.
3. Goaltending Scenario – Senators rested Andrew Hammond on Wednesday and will he be ready for any action this weekend? I would guess his back to back games are in the past as the season wears on so will it too for a goaltender.
B-SENS TWEET OF THE GAME
*Cover Pic Courtesy of SenShot’s Photographer Alicia Strauch