By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA The scoreboard will say the defining moments in the Rochester Americans regular season finale at Utica took place in a 30-second stretch early in the third period. That’s when Ethan Prow and Isak Rosen scored 30 seconds apart, turning a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 lead. But the true defining moments of what the Amerks are all about as a team came in the … [Read more...] about ‘Gritty’ Amerks win finale but settle for 2nd; face Crunch to start playoffs
Division title for Amerks in jeopardy after loss to Cleveland
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- All season – actually, for three seasons – Rochester Americans coach Seth Appert has praised the top-to-bottom quality of the American Hockey League’s North Division. “Every night you’re fighting for your life,” he said Friday night. “You better have it or you’re going to lose.” Sometimes you will lose even when you have it, even … [Read more...] about Division title for Amerks in jeopardy after loss to Cleveland
Levi, Kulich carry Amerks into a tie for first place
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Nearly 20 years have passed since the Rochester Americans have won a division title. But with Wednesday’s 3-1 victory over the Toronto Marlies, they’re moving closer to hanging a banner next to the one earned by the 2004-05 team. Jiri Kulich scored two more goals and goalie Devon Levi stopped 34 shots as the Amerks defeated the Toronto Marlies in … [Read more...] about Levi, Kulich carry Amerks into a tie for first place
Kulich scores 3, Rosen 2 as Amerks bounce Belleville
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Some nights, you can do a lot of things right and not find your name on the scoresheet. Just ask Rochester Americans center Jiri Kulich. On Friday night, in a 6-3 loss to the Belleville Senators, he fired a career-high 11 shots on goal and left Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial with no goals and no assists added to his season totals. Or ask Isak … [Read more...] about Kulich scores 3, Rosen 2 as Amerks bounce Belleville
Amerks fall to Belleville but still clinch a playoff berth
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Clinching a playoff berth is usually worthy of celebration, but it would have looked a little weird for the Rochester Americans to be sharing a toast or high-fiving on the ice of Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial after Friday’s 6-3 loss to the Belleville Senators. So, they instead somewhat passively saluted the accomplishment, knowing full well that … [Read more...] about Amerks fall to Belleville but still clinch a playoff berth