By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Tyson Kozak doesn’t have the dash and flash of the top prospects in the Buffalo Sabres organization. Nor does he have the resume that says he’ll someday be an NHL player. He was, after all, a seventh-round draft pick, chosen after 192 others had heard their names called. But what he does have is an undeniable desire to succeed, which is why he joined … [Read more...] about Kozak’s recall to Sabres shows ‘how valued he is’
AHL
Amerks squander early lead, fall to high-flying Cleveland
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA They had played well enough to win, especially when comparing scoring chances for and against, yet the Rochester Americans lost again on home ice, this time 5-4 to the Cleveland Monsters on Wednesday night. Of course, it’s pretty difficult to win when you don’t make the opponent earn goals, and the Amerks (8-7-3-0) pretty much gift-wrapped Cleveland’s … [Read more...] about Amerks squander early lead, fall to high-flying Cleveland
Little offense, even less effort doom Amerks against Utica
BY KEVIN OKLOBZIJA One night after coming within 8.2 seconds of defeating the two-time defending Calder Cup champion Hershey Bears, a game they really should have won, the Rochester Americans were no-shows against the Utica Comets. Apparently that 1-10-1-2 record the Comets brought into Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial on Saturday evening told the Amerks that effort … [Read more...] about Little offense, even less effort doom Amerks against Utica
Foolish penalty dooms Amerks in loss to Hershey
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA So close but yet so … undisciplined. The Rochester Americans were just 8.2 seconds from defeating the Hershey Bears on Friday night when Mike Vecchione forced overtime with a power-play goal before scoring on a breakaway in overtime. That double-dagger delivered by the Bears talented winger meant instead of victory over the two-time defending Calder … [Read more...] about Foolish penalty dooms Amerks in loss to Hershey
Laval smothers Amerks offense again
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA When you’re not on the ice every night, when you’re more likely to be a healthy scratch than one of the forwards on the lineup sheet, then every shift you do play seems magnified. Perform well and the coaching staff notices. Fail to produce or make mistakes and they’ll also notice. Bad luck in a game simply adds to the frustration. Which is why … [Read more...] about Laval smothers Amerks offense again