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
Amerks trying to stay sharp during ‘weird’ 13-day break in playoff schedule
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA There’s no playbook for Rochester Americans coach Michael Leone and his staff to follow when dealing with this extended gap in their playoff season. Then again, how could there be? A break of 13 days between games – which is what the Amerks are dealing with – has never happened. In the 69 year history of the franchise, the longest stretch between … [Read more...] about Amerks trying to stay sharp during ‘weird’ 13-day break in playoff schedule
Levi, Jobst come up big as Amerks complete the sweep
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA SYRACUSE – First, Devon Levi stood on his head – literally. While sashaying away from a first-period net-mouth scrum in his goal crease, he took a misstep and, while trying to catch his balance, ended up taking an awkward tumble that brought laughter from the fans at Upstate Medical Center Arena. “I got tripped and I might have stepped on his foot, I … [Read more...] about Levi, Jobst come up big as Amerks complete the sweep
Levi’s new Amerks playoff mask: a Moose, tacos, teammates and more
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA To get an indication of what Devon Levi is all about as a person and as a teammate, just take a good look at his new mask for the Calder Cup playoffs. It's like a scavenger hunt. From the Moose mascot and a few culinary delights on one side, to images of an Amerk Hall of Famer alongside a guy who has never suited up for a professional hockey game on the … [Read more...] about Levi’s new Amerks playoff mask: a Moose, tacos, teammates and more
‘Win one for Komarov’ was Amerks rallying cry after scary injury
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA It’s amazing how quiet 6,884 hockey fans can get in an instant. But when Rochester Americans rookie defenseman Vsevolod Komarov lie motionless on the ice following a fight with Syracuse Crunch forward Jack Finley, the crowd at Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial went from deafening screams to near silence late Sunday afternoon. Komarov was hit … [Read more...] about ‘Win one for Komarov’ was Amerks rallying cry after scary injury