By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Since the first shift of Game 1 in this Calder Cup North Division finals series, the Laval Rocket have barged, barreled and banged their way into Devon Levi’s goal crease whenever possible – and sometimes when it wasn’t possible, or legal. For the Rocket, rattling Levi seems to be Priority 1 in the best-of-five playoff showdown with the Rochester … [Read more...] about Rattle the Amerks goalie? Bring it on, Levi says
Dunne’s 4-point night keeps Amerks alive, sets up Game 5 showdown
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA The contributions by Josh Dunne usually aren’t measured by the scoresheet, which is why the Rochester Americans centerman was named winner of the Rob Zabelny Unsung Hero Award this season. But a whole lot of people were singing his praises on Friday night, when he did his usual determined work in the faceoff circle, on the boards, as a penalty killer … [Read more...] about Dunne’s 4-point night keeps Amerks alive, sets up Game 5 showdown
Laval’s quick 3rd-period blitz dooms Amerks
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA On Friday night, Laval Rocket winger Florian Xhekaj was the goat, and not in a Tom Brady kind of way. His foolish goaltender interference penalty led to the winning goal, enabling the Rochester Americans to win Game 2 and even the best-of-five Calder Cup North Division finals. On Wednesday night, Xhekaj was one of the heroes for the Rocket. His first … [Read more...] about Laval’s quick 3rd-period blitz dooms Amerks
Kulich, Rousek, Rosen come up big as Amerks rebound to tie series
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA When the NHL regular season ended, Jiri Kulich was sent back to the Rochester Americans to experience intense playoff pressure, to prove he can perform in the spotlight when it matters most. Five games into what the Amerks hope will be a long Calder Cup playoff run, Kulich isn’t so sure he is living up to expectations. At least not his own. “To be … [Read more...] about Kulich, Rousek, Rosen come up big as Amerks rebound to tie series
Laval upends Amerks in series opener with late third-period goal
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA It’s amazing how quickly a playoff joyride can be derailed. In sweeping the Syracuse Crunch in the Calder Cup North Division semifinals, the Rochester Americans were simply the better team. Better in goal with Devon Levi, better as a team in the defensive zone and far more skilled. Put it all together and you get a three-game sweep. But the Amerks … [Read more...] about Laval upends Amerks in series opener with late third-period goal