Syracuse Crunch edged by Comets 54 in shootout

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse Crunch were edged by the Utica Comets, 5-4, in a shootout this afternoon at the Adirondack Bank Center. Despite the loss, the Crunch earned a point and are still in second place in the North Division with 75 points. Syracuse is now 33-24-5-4 on the season and 7-3-1-1 in the 14-game season series against Utica. Crunch goaltender Hugo Alnefelt turned aside 25-of-29 shots and 0-of-2 shootout attempts. Akira Schmid stopped 25-of-29 shots and 2-of-3 shootout attempts in net for the Comets. Syracuse converted on 1-of-3 power play opportunities, while the penalty kill went a perfect…