Syracuse Crunch: Will Face the Grand Rapids Griffins in Calder Cup Finals

The Syracuse Crunch are making history with every game they win in this year’s playoffs. Inside The House shares their latest achievement and what the future schedule holds.

For only the second time in team history, the Syracuse Crunch hockey team are just four games away from winning their first championship. Four years ago, in 2013, the Crunch lost to these same Griffins in a best-of-seven series, four to two, according to Syracuse.com. This time around, the Crunch seem poised and ready to win it instead. They’ll have that chance in the AHL Calder Cup Finals.

Though the teams rosters have changed quite a bit over the years due to call-ups to the NHL, addition of new players, and cuts, the teams are generally the same. The end goal, as both teams well know, is a championship.

Anything less than winning the Cup is failure, so I therefore expect these games to be extremely close. In addition, at this point in the playoffs, you can expect some hard hitting from both teams as they give everything they’ve got to win the Calder Cup.

The Crunch are 11-5 in these AHL playoffs, including undefeated at home according the team’s website. They just came off a 3-1 victory over the Providence Bruins on Saturday night in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. As a result, they are the Eastern Conference Champions, and clinched their bid in the Finals.

Below is the schedule for the Calder Cup Finals:

Calder Cup Finals Schedule:

Note: This schedule is according to Syracuse.com:

Game 1: at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m. Friday, June 2

Game 2: at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m. Saturday, June 3

Game 3: at Syracuse, 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 7

Game 4: at Syracuse, 7 p.m. Friday, June 9

Game 5: at Syracuse, 7 p.m. Saturday, June 10 (if necessary)

Game 6: at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 13 (if necessary)

Game 7: at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 14 (if necessary)

The bad news about this schedule is that the Finals start in Grand Rapids. Considering that both teams are undefeated this postseason at home, according to RawCharge.com, this could spell trouble early on in this series for the Crunch.

Just because their path to a championship starts on the road does not mean its over by any stretch though. Its a seven game series, and anything can happen. That’s what make playoff hockey so awesome.

I have a lot of confidence in our team and I’ve enjoyed every moment of this season so far. So, I’m going out there (to the finals) to enjoy it and I really believe that we have a good team and we will find a way.
-Syracuse Crunch Head Coach Benoit Groulx

What the Team’s Saying Heading Into the Finals:

The good news is the Crunch head coach Benoit Groulx and his team are confident heading into the Finals, according to RawCharge.com: “I have a lot of confidence in our team and I’ve enjoyed every moment of this season so far. So, I’m going out there (to the finals) to enjoy it and I really believe that we have a good team and we will find a way.”

Crunch Veteran Matt Taormina agreed with coach, but also stated that he thinks this will be a fast series and a fun one at that. After being on the losing end in 2013 with the Syracuse Crunch, he wants to be on the winning end this time, but was cautious to make any bold proclamations. He thinks the team is playing really well though in his interview:

"I think this team is better. I think we are faster. I think we have a lot more skill. Defensively we’ve been playing really well. I think it’s going to be a fast series just knowing the Detroit style of play. It should be fun."

The Crunch Should Have Lots of Fan Support:

This time of year Syracuse fans usually have don’t have anything Syracuse sports related to root for because its the beginning of summer. By now, Lacrosse is usually over, and football and basketball are months away. As a result, sports fans in Syracuse will flock to the next best thing.

Just because it’s hockey doesn’t mean its a turnoff. This is town that lives and breathes snow. As a result, fans should come out, if for no other reason than to cool off in the chilly War Memorial. For the first time in awhile, they will finally have Crunch Hockey to support.

Next: My First Experience This Week With Syracuse Crunch Hockey

Syracuse fans seem ready and eager to support their Crunch as the Onondaga County War Memorial heard chants of “We want the cup” on Saturday. If the Syracuse Crunch have anything to say about it, they hope this series goes fast, but this time in their favor.

Be sure to check back with Inside The Loud House as we recap the Calder Cup Finals.