The atmosphere was electric in Syracuse on Saturday when the Crunch played host to the Toronto Marlies in game five of the North Division Final. The Syracuse Crunch proved to be the winners, 5-1, and took a 3-to-2 series lead with the chance to end it all on Monday in Toronto.
The start of the first period was a frustrating one for the home-town team. The visitors came out firing on all cylinders and forced Crunch starting goalie Mike McKenna to be on his game early. Syracuse wouldn't muster their first shot on goal until after the seven minute mark of the frame and Toronto wouldn't waste a whole lot of time before taking full advantage of the lopsided time of possession.