Gherson, Wolves stop Crunch

Behind a strong performance from goalie Robert Gherson, the Chicago Wolves held off the Syracuse Crunch 2-1 at the Allstate Arena on Sunday night.

Gherson, who made 19 saves in his season debut, continued the Wolves' pattern of allowing an American Hockey League-low goals against. The Wolves have allowed more than 2 goals in a game just twice in their first 11 games, including 2 shutouts.

The Wolves (7-2-1-1) lead the West Division and are tied for second in the league with 16 points.

"A few key saves is the difference in a 1-goal game, and Gherson was very good tonight," said Wolves coach Don Granato. "That's a real credit to him and to his focus, having not played yet this season. As a group we are playing much better together, much more in sync, and that's good to see."

The Crunch took a 1-0 lead 6:41 into the first period. Gherson stopped a shot from Maksim Mayorov, but Tom Sestito converted the rebound.

The Wolves' Steve Martins tied the game 1-1 at 12:53 of the first period with his first goal of the season on an assist by Arturs Kulda.

Joey Crabb scored what proved to be the game-winner at 10:32 of the second period when he took a pass from Grant Lewis and beat Crunch goalie Steve Mason, who stopped 20 shots.