Pressure Gage

Game Notes on Friday, Jan. 26:

Syracuse centerman Gage Goncalves finds himself right near the top of the league tied for the eighth-most points in the A.H.L. with 35. He is also tied for the third-highest number of assists across the board with 28.

Seven of those tallies have come in the last five games, also giving the 2020 second round pick the seventh-longest active points streak in the league. That distinction ties him with fellow Crunch center Waltteri Merelä who has been in the N.H.L. with the Lightning for the last week and a half. Additionally, Syracuse defenseman Jack Thompson holds an even longer ongoing run of seven-straight contests with a point. What sets Goncalves apart lately is his three assist night during Saturday’s 5-2 win over the Comets.

Moreover, the fourth-year forward has been exceptional in the middle frame, earning most of his points in the second period. Goncalves records more goals and assists in the second frame with four and 10, respectively.

When has the British Columbia-native been at his best? Crunch time. In high pressure games decided by one goal, the Crunch are 7-2-2-2. Goncalves has skated in six of those seven one-goal wins, nabbing a point in all but one.

All this would stick out even more if this streak wasn’t such a regular occurrence. Goncalves has strung together four runs this season of points in at least four-straight games, a feat he has accomplished seven times across his career.