By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA The list of heroes ran deep for the Rochester Americans on Saturday night. Then again, how could it not? No winner-take-all playoff showdown has ever been won by just one player. Which is why the Amerks are moving on to the Calder Cup North Division finals. Their resiliency as a team, their undeniable resolve, has been a blossoming trait down the … [Read more...] about ‘The love of being Amerks’ a big reason why playoff run continues
Pilut’s OT goal propels resilient Amerks past Crunch
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA SYRACUSE – They had just done what isn’t easy to do, squander a 4-1 lead in 21 minutes in a winner-take-all playoff showdown against their most bitter rival. The Rochester Americans had no answer for a relentless forechecking onslaught unleashed by the Syracuse Crunch, and when Trevor Carrick completed the comeback and tied the score with just 29.9 … [Read more...] about Pilut’s OT goal propels resilient Amerks past Crunch
Kulich, Subban shine as Amerks blank Crunch, force deciding Game 5
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Compared to the regular season, playoff hockey is a very different animal, with intensity and physicality ramping up ten-fold while the spotlight intensifies on even the smallest components of every game. Success is never accidental, which is why special players relish the pressure and thrive when advancement depends on their performance. Like Jiri … [Read more...] about Kulich, Subban shine as Amerks blank Crunch, force deciding Game 5
Mersch, Kulich power goal-fest as Amerks stay alive
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA There was little room for error on the ice and no wiggle room in the series whatsoever. Down 2-0 and facing elimination in the Calder Cup North Division semifinals, the Rochester Americans were in position to see their playoff run end before they ever even left the starting gate. But as a group, this team collectively announced with their play on … [Read more...] about Mersch, Kulich power goal-fest as Amerks stay alive
Zero shots in one period, zero goals in game, as Amerks lose again to Crunch
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA SYRACUSE – You know it’s a bad night when the opposition moves into victory formation as the clock winds down to zero. Especially when it happens in the waning seconds of the first period, which is just what the Syracuse Crunch did on Saturday night. Rather than attack, they played catch in their own end for virtually the final 20 seconds of a lopsided … [Read more...] about Zero shots in one period, zero goals in game, as Amerks lose again to Crunch