By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA The chants rose from the crowd with frequency during the third period on Friday night as the Rochester Americans protected a 3-0 lead. For the first 40 minutes, the Amerks were very much in control, using two goals by Isak Rosen and one by Brett Murray to build the lead while they allowed just even shots to get through to their own goalie, Devon … [Read more...] about As fans chant, Levi and Amerks blank Syracuse 3-0
Kozak’s recall to Sabres shows ‘how valued he is’
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Tyson Kozak doesn’t have the dash and flash of the top prospects in the Buffalo Sabres organization. Nor does he have the resume that says he’ll someday be an NHL player. He was, after all, a seventh-round draft pick, chosen after 192 others had heard their names called. But what he does have is an undeniable desire to succeed, which is why he joined … [Read more...] about Kozak’s recall to Sabres shows ‘how valued he is’
Amerks squander early lead, fall to high-flying Cleveland
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA They had played well enough to win, especially when comparing scoring chances for and against, yet the Rochester Americans lost again on home ice, this time 5-4 to the Cleveland Monsters on Wednesday night. Of course, it’s pretty difficult to win when you don’t make the opponent earn goals, and the Amerks (8-7-3-0) pretty much gift-wrapped Cleveland’s … [Read more...] about Amerks squander early lead, fall to high-flying Cleveland
Little offense, even less effort doom Amerks against Utica
BY KEVIN OKLOBZIJA One night after coming within 8.2 seconds of defeating the two-time defending Calder Cup champion Hershey Bears, a game they really should have won, the Rochester Americans were no-shows against the Utica Comets. Apparently that 1-10-1-2 record the Comets brought into Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial on Saturday evening told the Amerks that effort … [Read more...] about Little offense, even less effort doom Amerks against Utica
Foolish penalty dooms Amerks in loss to Hershey
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA So close but yet so … undisciplined. The Rochester Americans were just 8.2 seconds from defeating the Hershey Bears on Friday night when Mike Vecchione forced overtime with a power-play goal before scoring on a breakaway in overtime. That double-dagger delivered by the Bears talented winger meant instead of victory over the two-time defending Calder … [Read more...] about Foolish penalty dooms Amerks in loss to Hershey