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
Special teams fail Amerks in Game 1 OT loss to Crunch
BY KEVIN OKLOBZIJA SYRACUSE – As far as Rochester Americans coach Seth Appert is concerned, Philippe Myers belongs in the National Hockey League. Unfortunately for the Amerks, the Tampa Bay Lightning don’t need another big, mobile defenseman, so Myers, who has played in 153 NHL games in his career, is skating for the Syracuse Crunch. On Friday night, the sixth-year … [Read more...] about Special teams fail Amerks in Game 1 OT loss to Crunch
Amerks to play outdoors next season … but not here
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA The Rochester Americans are going back outside to play a game, but not in Rochester. The Amerks have been invited to be the visiting team when the Charlotte Checkers host the Queen City Winter Classic at Truist Field, home of Triple-A baseball’s Charlotte Knights. The game, set for 7 p.m. on Jan. 13, 2024, will be the first outdoor hockey game in … [Read more...] about Amerks to play outdoors next season … but not here