The Syracuse Crunch have provided crucial depth when the Bolts have needed it, but are struggling to achieve in this sport how it must be done: As a team.
In December, the phrase Tampacuse was being reemployed with how several from the Syracuse Crunch roster had stepped into roles in Tampa while others ached and were kept out of the lineup. That was a positive air of the organizational depth from those on the high. Success in Tampa Bay from the likes of Jonathan Marchessault (who is still on the Lightning roster), Mike Angelidis, Mike Blunden and others who have passed through the Lightning ranks before being returned to the AHL, should not be taken as a sign of a successful and competitive Syracuse Crunch.