Rochester Americans goalie David Shantz earned the win on Friday night against the Syracuse Crunch in a big way.  Not only did he stop all 30 shots fired at him but the Amerks win also knocked the Syracuse Crunch out of any post season dreams.  In order to keep their season alive the Crunch needed at least a point, they were denied.

That was an excellent final home game to end a pretty lousy season.  The arena was packed.  The action on the ice was exciting.  The crowd was loud.  The Amerks played for pride tonight and it paid off.

Here’s my three stars of the game:

Drew Larman scored at 14:37 of the second period which turned out to be the game winning goal.

David Shantz had a shutout.

And Jason Garrison for laying out Alexandre Picard in front of the Amerks net late in the 3rd period.  Picard has been a nuisance the past few times these teams have played, was nice to see someone finally stop him.

I wrote an article back in November that talked about throwing in the towel on the season.  The team hit rock bottom during that month.  Once December rolled around and Mike Brodeur showed up everything turned around.

Knocking the Crunch out of the post season was a great way to get the towel back off the floor and tell the world they’re ready to be contenders again.

The team has one last thing left to play for on Saturday night – 30 wins.  We’ll be there to cheer the team on.  If you’re looking for something to do on Saturday night give the Crunch a call for tickets and head on down the 90.

I have a recorder full of quotes and camera full of pictures, but rather than go into details about the game I’m going to enjoy it for what it was – a win and knocking the Amerks biggest rival out of the playoffs.

If you want more on tonights game check out Lindsay Kramers article as well as Kevin O’s article.

Plenty more to come over the coming weeks and all summer long.  See you in Syracuse tomorrow!