Syracuse, N.Y. (WGR 550) - Despite a spectacular 60-save effort from goalie Devon Levi on Thursday night, the Rochester Americans are now on the brink of an early exit in the Calder Cup Playoffs following a 2-1 loss in double overtime to the Syracuse Crunch at the Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial.
After the Crunch evened the North Division Semifinal Round back on Sunday with an overtime win in Rochester, they got out to a 1-0 lead in Game 3 with a second period goal from Alex Barre-Boulet, who crashed the net to tap in a point shot/pass from Declan Carlile.
With just 55 seconds remaining in the second period, Amerks winger Isak Rosen was hauled down on a scoring chance on Crunch goalie Brandon Halverson, resulting in a penalty shot being awarded. Rosen took that opportunity and tied the game as he came in slow on Halverson before firing a wrist shot over the glove hand.
The game remained even at 1-1 through the end of regulation time, as the Crunch peppered Levi in goal with 38 shots on goal through 60 minutes of action.
In the first overtime, Syracuse continued the pressure offensively, as they tested Levi with 19 shots on goal, but nothing to show for it on the scoreboard.
Perhaps Rochester's best chance in the overtime period came when forward Mason Jobst exited the penalty box and presented a breakaway chance to win the game for the Amerks. However, his chance was thwarted by Halverson.
Just past the halfway point of the second overtime period, Syracuse ended the contest thanks to forward Waltteri Merelä, who got free behind the Rochester defense and beat Levi past his extended left leg.
Game 4 of the best-of-5 series between the Crunch and Amerks is set for Saturday night at 7 p.m. ET, with Syracuse holding a 2-1 series lead. Game 5 of the series in Rochester is potentially slated for Friday, May 10 back at Blue Cross Arena.
