Rob Zettler wanted to make sure Syracuse didn’t let up.
The Crunch head coach reminded his team of the Americans’ recent games with big third periods. After taking a two-goal lead in the first period, Syracuse buckled down on defense to top Rochester, 3-1, at the Onondaga County War Memorial Saturday.
The Crunch has won five straight — a season high — and remain in fourth place in the North Division, two points behind Utica.
“It was very important for our energy and our vibe,” Zettler said of taking the early lead. “I thought we played really well in the first couple periods, but my message to the team was ‘This is how Rochester has been rolling. They don’t come out strong and give up an early lead, but then they come roaring back.’”