Holtby, Sabourin Struggle in 5-3 Syracuse Win

HERSHEY, PA – Dany Sabourin is replaced by Braden Holtby in the first period after Sabourin gave up two quick goals in Hershey’s 5-3 loss. (Kyle Mace – Sweetest Hockey on Earth)

Sunday night the Hershey Bears looked for revenge over the Syracuse Crunch after suffering a 6-1 beat down, nearly 48 hours prior to the start of Sunday’s game. Dany Sabourin, who came into Friday’s game in relief for Braden Holtby drew the start against Dustin Tokarski. A third period scoring explosion for Syracuse led to a 5-2 win over Hershey.

Into the first frame, both teams traded goals leading to an early shower for Dany Sabourin. Radko Gudas tallied first for Syracuse at 12:04 on a one-timer. Three minutes later on a long five-on-three advantage, Jeff Taffe answered for Hershey. Taffe banked a shot off the body of Tokarski that fell into the back of the net.

But with 2:13 remaining in the opening period, Matt Taormina for Syracuse unleashed a slapper from the point, through a screened Sabourin. After 20 minutes the Crunch carried a 2-1 lead into the dressing room, as well as a 8-7 shot lead. Following the goal, Sabourin made his way slowly to the bench with a stare, glaring back at the coaching staff.

At the 10:33 mark of the second frame, the Bears again answered to tie the game thanks to Zach Hamill and T.J. Syner. After stepping around a defenseman, Syner through a pass across that deflected off a Syracuse body and into the Syracuse net. But just under two minutes later, the Crunch once more answered back to quickly regain the lead.

Richard Panik beat Braden Holtby with a quick snap shot near the face off circle to Holtby’s left. Following the first 40 minutes, the Crunch led 3-2, poised for an insurance goal.

Within the eighth minute mark of the final frame, Syracuse quickly tallied to insurance goals to make it a 5-2 game. Brett Connolly capitalized on a lazy rebound left by Holtby following a save on a 2-on-1 to make it 4-2. Tyler Johnson caught Braden Holtby napping 52 seconds later with an easy tap  in to open up the game to a three-goal margin.

With 4:39 left, Zach Hamill scored for Hershey to cut the Syracuse lead to two.

The Hershey Bears proved that they can sweep the Penguins in their first three meetings of the season, but so far they can not beat the Syracuse Crunch.

More photos from tonight’s game

Jeff Taffe score Hershey’s first goal of the game

#sigh