By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA (updated with playoff opponent) The Rochester Americans earned the final playoff berth in the American Hockey League on Saturday without even playing. Not all news was good, however. The Amerks will be without goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen when they face the Belleville Senators in the best-of-three play-in series starting Wednesday in downtown … [Read more...] about Amerks head to playoffs without a key player
Peterka, Quinn keep Amerks season alive for another day; now they wait and hope
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA In a stare-down with elimination from playoff contention on Friday night, the Rochester Americans refused to blink and instead routed the Utica Comets 8-1 in their regular season finale. JJ Peterka scored his second hat trick of the month and AHL Rookie of the Year Jack Quinn scored one goal and set up another as the Amerks sprinted to a 4-0 … [Read more...] about Peterka, Quinn keep Amerks season alive for another day; now they wait and hope
An Amerk rarity: Peterka, Quinn named to AHL All-Rookie Team
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA For the first time in 22 years, two members of the Rochester Americans were named to the American Hockey League’s All-Rookie Team. Speedy, high-scoring wingers JJ Peterka and Jack Quinn were among the three forwards named to the six-player team. It’s the first time two Amerks forwards have been selected to the same All-Rookie Team, which the AHL … [Read more...] about An Amerk rarity: Peterka, Quinn named to AHL All-Rookie Team
Big-league bound soon? Garcia’s 2-homer game keys Wings comeback victory
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA The numbers already say Luis García is about ready to say goodbye to Triple-A. In 17 games for the Rochester Red Wings, the 21-year-old infielder is hitting .360 with nine extra-base hits and four home runs. His 27 hits lead all of minor league baseball. On Tuesday night, he belted a pair of two-run homers, the second of which broke an 8-8 tie in the … [Read more...] about Big-league bound soon? Garcia’s 2-homer game keys Wings comeback victory
Amerks squandered lead and maybe their playoff chances
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA From the perfect scenario to the worst scenario, all in a matter of one evening. The Rochester Americans opened a 2-0 lead in the first period, then gave up three unanswered goals in a span of just 2 minutes and 51 seconds and ended up 4-2 losers to the Cleveland Monsters on Saturday. So now, with just two games remaining after Saturday’s crushing … [Read more...] about Amerks squandered lead and maybe their playoff chances