4/16 Recap: Amerks punch ticket

Andrey Makarov made 31 saves Wednesday as the Rochester Americans clinched a spot in the AHL playoffs with a 4-1 win over Utica. Colton Gillies scored twice to pace the Amerks offense, while Kevin Porter and Phil Varone provided single markers. Joel Armia (illness) did not dress in the victory. Rochester holds the seventh position in the Western Conference standings with two games to play. The best-of-five playoff opponent will be determined this weekend with Texas or Grand Rapids being the likely foe.