By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA UTICA – With their season on the brink of ending on Thursday night, the Rochester Americans not only stared down elimination and didn’t blink, they ran it full force into the end boards, refusing to lose on the road to the regular season division champions. Trailing by a goal heading into the third period, the Amerks scored twice early in a span of 3 … [Read more...] about Amerks step up big-time to eliminate Utica, move on in the playoffs
Amerks falter badly and now face a winner-moves-on showdown in Utica
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA The regular season provides an opportunity for hockey players to show what they’re capable of doing on the ice, where their skillset is evaluated and on display. The postseason is where they show what they’re made of. It’s a series of tests where drive and determination are measured on a par with goals, assists and saves. The Rochester Americans … [Read more...] about Amerks falter badly and now face a winner-moves-on showdown in Utica
With Mersch out for Game 4, Amerks may need even more from Rousek
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA For six months, Lukas Rousek could only make an educated guess on what playing in the American Hockey League would be like. When he signed his two-year, entry level contract with the Buffalo Sabres in April and prepared to leave the Czech Republic for New York, he had fully intended to use this season to prove his talents. But during training camp, … [Read more...] about With Mersch out for Game 4, Amerks may need even more from Rousek
Ruotsalainen’s OT goal has Amerks on verge of advancement
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Arttu Ruotsalainen has had the hot hand ever since the playoffs began, showing an innate ability to find the net regardless of the angle, the traffic or the positioning of the goaltender. But in overtime on Sunday night, when Peyton Krebs made a seeing-eye laser pass from the left wing to Ruotsalainen in the right circle, the guy with the magic wand for … [Read more...] about Ruotsalainen’s OT goal has Amerks on verge of advancement
Peterka’s hat trick powers Amerks to overtime win
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA UTICA – JJ Peterka admits the physicality of the Calder Cup playoffs took him a bit by surprise. But as everyone learns, open ice that was prevalent in the regular season disappears with a championship on the line. Players that maybe didn’t play an in-your-face style now suddenly won’t pass up a chance to lower the boom. Guess what? Four games into … [Read more...] about Peterka’s hat trick powers Amerks to overtime win