Crunch erupt for eight goals, 2-0 series lead

Photo: Scott Thomas

Cory Conacher scored two shorthanded goals, Matthew Peca and Joel Vermin also scored twice and Syracuse set a franchise record for goals in a playoff game in an 8-5 win over Toronto in Game 2 of the North Division Finals on Saturday night.

The Crunch own a 2-0 lead as the best-of-seven series shifts to Toronto for Game 3 on Tuesday.

Syracuse blitzed the Marlies early, taking a 4-1 lead and owning a 16-2 advantage in shots on goal through the first 20 minutes.

Michael Bournival and Tye McGinn each tallied a goal and an assist and Yanni Gourde tallied three assists for the Crunch, who have won five straight.

Seth Griffith led the Marlies’ offense with a goal and two assists. Andreas Johnsson, Cal O’Reilly, Kasperi Kapanen and Andrew Nielsen also scored for Toronto.

North Division Finals – Series “J” (best-of-7)
N1-Syracuse Crunch vs. N2-Toronto Marlies
Game 1 – Fri., May 5 – SYRACUSE 3, Toronto 1
Game 2 – Sat., May 6 – SYRACUSE 8, Toronto 5
Game 3 – Tue., May 9 – Syracuse at Toronto, 7:00
Game 4 – Wed., May 10 – Syracuse at Toronto, 7:00
*Game 5 – Sat., May 13 – Toronto at Syracuse, 7:00
*Game 6 – Mon., May 15 – Syracuse at Toronto, 7:00
*Game 7 – Wed., May 17 – Toronto at Syracuse, 7:00
*if necessary… All times Eastern