SYRACUSE (Interstat) — The Rochester Americans will visit the Syracuse Crunch on Friday in a minor league hockey matchup between teams still searching for separation in the early season. Both clubs enter with 3-4 records, making the contest an opportunity for one side to even its record while the other absorbs another early setback.

Syracuse will look to build on its recent head-to-head success. The Crunch won the most recent meeting between the teams 4-2, while Rochester won the earlier matchup 7-1. The teams have traded wins in the series, with Syracuse’s latest victory coming by two goals and Rochester’s prior win coming by six.

Rochester enters after a 5-3 loss to Utica in its most recent game. The Americans have shown flashes of offense this season, including their seven-goal outburst against Syracuse, but they have also been held to one goal in losses to Utica and Belleville. Zac Funk, Riley Fiddler-Schultz and Jason Polin were listed as Rochester’s most productive players in the most recent result. The Americans will need a stronger defensive effort against a Syracuse side that has had mixed results of its own.

Syracuse most recently dropped a 5-1 decision at Laval. The Crunch also have a 4-2 win over Rochester and a 4-3 victory at Hamilton among their recent results, but they have been uneven in the early going. Tommy Miller, Lucas Mercuri and Brendan Furry were listed as Syracuse’s most productive players in its latest game. Syracuse will aim to generate more pressure in front and limit Rochester’s transition chances.

Michael Callahan is the player to watch for Syracuse. Callahan recorded two shots on goal in the most recent meeting with Rochester and has registered shots in four of his past five appearances. His activity could help Syracuse create second-chance opportunities and keep Rochester’s defense occupied in its own zone.

Rochester will try to use its speed and recent scoring touch to counter Syracuse’s home-ice advantage. The Americans have alternated strong and difficult results this season, and a Friday matchup against a familiar opponent offers a chance to steady their form. Syracuse, meanwhile, will seek to carry its most recent win over Rochester into another meeting and tighten its defensive play after a difficult result at Laval.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a final score of Syracuse 2, Rochester 1. Syracuse has been installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of -1.5, and the over/under for the game is 5.5.