Syracuse, NY (January 27, 2012) -Iiro Tarkki recorded a shutout as the Syracuse Crunch defeated the Rochester Americans 4-0 in front of a sold out crowd tonight at the War Memorial Arena. The Crunch scored two goals in the opening and final frames to improve their season record to 19-17-3-2.
The Crunch jumped to an early lead scoring back to back goals at the 1:47 and 2:57 marks, respectively. Two-time AHL All-Star Kyle Palmieri scored the first goal of the game, his 24th of the season, assisted by Luca Caputi. Rick Schofield made it 2-0 scoring his fifth of the season, unassisted off a shot from the right point.
The second period was scoreless for both teams, but the Crunch kept up the pressure leading shots on goal 24-20 at its conclusion.
Mark Bell extended the Crunch lead to 3-0 at the 12:02 mark of the third period with a wrister from the slot. Andrew Gordon and Sean Zimmerman recorded assists on the play. Caputi tipped in a Nate Guenin shot for a power-play goal with 4:15 to go in the third period, bringing the Crunch lead to 4-0.
The Crunch play the Bridgeport Sound Tigers tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. at the War Memorial.
Crunchables: Mark Bell has six of his 14 points this season against Rochester…Luca Caputi has 11 points in 10 games with the Crunch this season…Kyle Palmieri is now in sole possession of fifth place for game-winning goals.
