A power play goal in overtime by Charlie Stephens lifted the Binghamton Senators over the visiting Syracuse Crunch 4-3 in this lone Thanksgiving Day matchup in the American Hockey League.
Stephens overtime goal, his sixth of the season, came just 1:37 into the overtime period. Stephens earned the first star in the game scoring two goals and adding an assist including his game winning tally.
Binghamton goaltender rookie Jeff Glass was solid between the pipes earning his first American Hockey League win and the game’s third star, stopping 37 of the 40 shots he faced.
Syracuse rookie Geoff Platt continues his strong play, contributing in the losing effort with a goal and an assist. Platt is now tied for the league lead in rookie goal scoring with 13 goals on the season.
The win is the Senators (6-10-1-1, 14 pts.) fourth straight home win, and are now only two points away from climbing out of last place in the East Division. With the point gained for the overtime loss, the Crunch (8-8-1-0, 17 pts.) now have fourth place in the North Division to themselves.
Tonight’s game was the 32nd Thanksgiving Day game the city of Binghamton has hosted since professional hockey first came to Binghamton in 1973. With tonight’s Senators win, the home team is now 15-15-2 in these games.
