Showing posts with label amerks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label amerks. Show all posts

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Amerks win in front of record crowd

The Rochester Americans invaded First Niagara Center for the second time in the 2012-13 season Friday, riding a pair of Cody Hodgson goals to a 4-1 victory over the Lake Erie Monsters. The five-goal affair was a drastic change from the previous two tilts between the two clubs that each ended with identical 7-6 come-from-behind victories for the Americans.  

A record number of fans also invaded First Niagara Center -- 19,070 of them -- to set a new attendance record for the storied Rochester Americans franchise. The crowd was the eighth-largest in American Hockey League history.

Hodgson scored the game's first goal at 14:48 of the opening period while on the five-on-three advantage. The skilled centerman took a Mark Mancari pass down low and slid a forehand along the ice past Sami Aittokallio to give the Amerks a 1-0 lead at the first intermission.

Just over two minutes into the second period, Mark Mancari weaved into the zone and unloaded a high-rising wrist shot over Aittokallio's left shoulder to make it a 2-0 game. Hodgson skipped in again five minutes later and slipped a backhand into the net for his second of the game and fifth of the season to put the Amerks ahead 3-0.

Rochester took a 3-1 lead into the third period, but there was no comeback to be had as David Leggio shut the door 13 of his 36 saves in the final frame. Tough guy Nick Tarnasky added some late insurance with a tally at 11:54 to complete the game's scoring.

Rundown:
McNabb: 2A, +2, 2 SOG
Foligno: A, SOG
Brennan: A, 4 SOG
Sundher: +1, SOG
Adam: +1, SOG
Flynn: 2 SOG
Varone: 2 SOG
Crawford: even
Girgensons: SOG
Gauthier-Leduc: 2 SOG

Please visit Amerks.com for their game recap and video highlights.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

4/23 Recap: Amerks swept

The Rochester Americans saw their season come to an end Monday as the Toronto Marlies swept them from the first round of the AHL playoffs with a 3-0 shutout. The Marlies were able to get a goal in the first five minutes of each period, disappointing the over 7,000 fans who packed it in to the Blue Cross Arena.

The Amerks had trouble sustaining offense throughout despite firing 29 shots on Ben Scrivens, including 15 in the middle frame. Former RPI and Team USA junior star Jerry D'Amigo emerged as an Amerks killer, finding the net five times in the three-game sweep. For the last time this season, we'll turn it over to Kevin Oklobzija's Rochester D&C game story for the rest:

“They had a group of guys who bought into the team goals.”

The Amerks were all about team, too. Their team just wasn’t as deep, quick or talented from first line to fourth line.

“Every guy that put on the Americans sweater gave it their all,” captain Colin Stuart said. “We weren’t happy just making the playoffs so it’s still a tough pill to swallow.

The American Hockey League record book will forever show the Amerks lost all three games of the only playoff series they played this spring. Yet in reality, they had already won at least one round just by getting into the Calder Cup playoffs.

With 12 days to go in the regular season, they sat 12th in the Western Conference. Only the top eight teams get invited to the post-season party. The Amerks finished seventh.


Mike Ryan returned to the Amerks lineup for the first time in over two months, while Alex Biega did not play after being suspended for boarding Greg Scott at the end of game 2 on Saturday. David Leggio made 23 saves in his 26th consecutive start.

The Rundown:
Foligno: -2
McNabb: -1, 2 SOG
Brennan: -1, 4 SOG
Adam: 2 SOG
Tropp: -1, 3 SOG
Varone: 1 SOG
Crawford: 1 SOG

***

In the OHL, Steven Shipley finished +2 as Niagara downed Ottawa 5-2 in game #3 of the OHL Eastern Conference Final. Shipley's line with David Pacan (#2 star) and Mitchell Theoret (#1 star) provided a spark all evening for the Dogs, who take a 2-1 series lead into Wednesday's game #4. Niagara goalie Mark Visentin scored the game's final goal into the empty net with a accurate shot form the other end of the rink.

With the Amerks bounced, Shipley, Mark Pysyk, and Jerome Gauthier-Leduc remain as the only Sabres prospects left in action in the 2011-12 season.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Amerks head home in hole

The Rochester Americans began the AHL playoffs this week, but have quickly found themselves in a 2-0 series hole after a pair of losses at division rival Toronto.

On Thursday, Phil Varone scored the game's first goal and added an assist but Jerry D'Amigo's second goal of the game with less than five minutes to play gave the Marlies a 4-3 victory in the opener. Marcus Foligno and T.J. Brennan added the Amerks other tallies, while David Leggio made 34 saves in his 24th straight start in the Rochester crease.



The Rundown:
Varone: G, A, 2 SOG
Foligno: G
Brennan: G, -1, 3 SOG
McNabb: even
Biega: A, -1
Crawford: A
Tropp: -1, 2 SOG
Adam: A, 2 SOG

It was deja vu on Saturday, as Foligno, Varone, and Brennan would again get the Rochester goals, but D'Amigo would again score his second of the game in the final minutes, this time with just under two to play, as Toronto skated to their second consecutive 4-3 victory.



The Rundown:
Foligno: G, A, +1, 2 SOG
Brennan: G, +2, 4 SOG
Varone: G, 3 SOG
Biega: A, +2, 2 SOG, 6 PIM
McNabb: A
Crawford: -1
Tropp: -1, 2 SOG
Adam: 2 SOG

The Amerks are now in the tough spot of needing to defeat the Marlies in three straight games to escape the best-of-five. Their first kick at staving off elimination comes with Monday's game #3 at the BCA.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Adam's mark puts Amerks in position

With his confidence plummeting to perhaps the lowest point of his pro career in recent weeks, and his club desperate for a victory, Luke Adam scored a very big goal Saturday to break a tie and give the Rochester Americans a 2-1 regulation win over the Lake Erie Monsters in their final game of the AHL regular season.


Adam's mark at 4:14 of the third period, his fourth of the year and second in his last three games, would hold up as Amerks' MVP David Leggio made 16 of his 35 saves in the final frame. Paul Szczechura scored the first Rochester goal, while rookies Brayden McNabb and Marcus Foligno (three-game point streak) chipped in with assists.

The victory gives Rochester 86 points, good for 5th place in the AHL Western Conference entering the final day of the season. While not officially in, their playoff hopes are looking pretty good per the explanation provided by Kevin Oklobzija of the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle.

The Rundown:
Adam: G, +1, 6 SOG
McNabb: A, +2
Foligno: A, +1
Crawford: +2
Tropp: +1, 3 SOG
Brennan: 3 SOG
Varone: SOG
Biega: even

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Foligno fuels Amerks with season on line

With their playoff hopes hinging on a positive outcome, Marcus Foligno (#1 star) bagged two goals and an assist Friday to lead Rochester to an important 5-1 victory over Syracuse. The win bumps the Amerks into 7th place in the AHL's Western Conference standings with just one game left to play. A Saturday win over the Lake Erie Monsters, who are tied with Rochester with 84 points but sit in 6th place with two more victories, should give the Amerks a spot in the playoffs.

Nick Crawford, Evan Rankin, and Colin Stuart supplied the other Amerks goals, while Corey Tropp and Derek Whitmore each chipped in two assists. David Leggio made 30 saves for his 27th win of the year and the game's #2 star.

The Rundown:
Foligno: 2G, A
Crawford: G, A
Tropp: 2A
Brennan: +3
McNabb: 2 SOG
Adam: +1
Varone: even

A Saturday win gives the Amerks a legitimate playoff shot. Kevin Oklobzija of the Rochester D&C goes over the scenarios here.

In Friday QMJHL play, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc notched an assist as Rimouski lost game #5 of their playoff quarterfinal 3-2 to Blainville-Boisbriand. The helper was Leduc's 11th point through nine playoff games. Tommy Giroux scored the game winning goal for the Armada with under two minutes left in regulation. Trailing the series by a 3-2 margin, the Nics will head home looking to force a game #7 with a win on Sunday.

In the OHL, Alex Lepkowski (+1) and Gregg Sutch (even) did not factor into the scoring as Barrie missed a chance to close their Eastern Conference semifinal by dropping a 2-1 decision to Ottawa. Cody Ceci ('12) scored a power play goal for the 67's. The Colts, who previously had earned a 3-2 win on Thursday, will take a 3-2 series lead back to Barrie for Sunday's game #6.

On Thursday, Steven Shipley went without a point for the sixth straight game as Niagara bounced Brampton from the OHL playoffs with a 3-1 win. Fresh off a sweep of the Troops, the IceDogs will get the winner of the Barrie/Ottawa battle in the OHL Eastern Conference final beginning next week.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

4/7 Recap: Varone winner gets Amerks on track

In Saturday playoff action, Mark Pysyk logged a -2 as Edmonton held on for a 4-3 win over Brandon. The Oil Kings now hold a 2-0 series lead in the WHL Eastern Conference semifinal with game #3 taking place Tuesday in Brandon. Kevin Sundher did not factor into any of the three Wheat Kings goals. The six-foot center has a goal and two assists in seven postseason tilts. 

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc landed four shots on goal but could not register as Rimouski was shut out by Blainville-Boisbriand, 2-0. With no points in his last two games, Leduc slips to 4th in QMJHL playoff scoring for defensemen (4+4). The series is now tied at a game apiece with the teams heading back to Rimouski for Tuesday's game #3.

In the AHL, Phil Varone scored the game winner just 1:34 into the third period to give Rochester a 3-1 win over Hamilton. Even Rankin and Derek Whitmore also scored for the Amerks, who snapped a a five-game winless skid with four games remaining and the final Western Conference playoff spot still within range. David Leggio made 25 saves in his 19th consecutive start in the Amerks crease.

The Rundown:
Varone: GWG, +2, 3 SOG
Crawford: A, +1
Foligno: 2 SOG
Adam: SOG
Szydlowski: SOG
Tropp: even
Biega: even
Fienhage: even

The Amerks visit Adirondack on Sunday.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

3/31 Recap: Shipley's streak ends; Amerks blanked

In Saturday action, Steven Shipley saw his four-game point streak come to an end as Niagara took control of their first round playoff series with a 5-2 win over Oshawa. Generals netmidner Daniel Altshuller ('12) made 57 saves in defeat. With a three games to two lead, the East's top seeded IceDogs will look to close it out Sunday in Oshawa.

Gregg Sutch (even) and Alex Lepkowski (+1) did not factor into the scoring as Barrie defeated Mississauga 2-1 in game #5 of their OHL Eastern Conference playoff matchup. D-camp invite Steven Beyers scored a shorthanded goal for the Colts, who now hold a 3-2 series lead heading into game #6 Monday in Mississauga.

In the AHL, the call-up depleted Amerks fired 27 shots on goal but came up empty in a 1-0 loss to Toronto. The Amerks were playing shorthanded as Brayden McNabb and T.J. Brennan joined Corey Tropp and Marcus Foligno with the Sabres in Toronto. Dennis Persson paced the offense with five shots on goal, while David Leggio made 28 saves in his 16th straight start.

The Amerks will now hit the road for their next four games with the first two coming Tuesday and Wednesday in Abbotsford.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

3/28 Recap: Leduc pots winner; Shipley picks pair

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored the game winning goal, his fourth of the series, as Rimouski swept Val-d'Or from the QMJHL playoffs with a 4-3 victory. The QMJHL leading regular season point-getter for defensemen, Leduc again leads the league in the postseason with eight points in four games from the blueline.

The series had a somewhat ugly finish, with fellow Sabres prospect Cedrick Henley (4GP 1-2-3 -1 15 PIM) involved in a skirmish at the final horn and then another shoving match near center match before exiting for the final time this season (below). The Oceanic advance to the second round to face a yet to be determined opponent.

(s/t to Jerome Berube for the video link)

In OHL action, Steven Shipley hit for a pair of goals including one shorthanded as Niagara lost their second in a row to Oshawa, 5-3. The two-goal effort puts the 6'3 center in a tie for the OHL lead with five playoff marks. The series is now locked at two games apiece with game #5 going Saturday in St. Catharines.

Dan Catenacci scored his first goal of the playoffs shorthanded and added an assist as Owen Sound earned an exciting 6-5 overtime win over Kitchener. The Attack get their first win of the series with plenty of work ahead to dig out from their 3-1 deficit. The Attack will again look to extend their season on Friday in Kitchener.



In WHL play, Mark Pysyk notched an assist on the game winner as Edmonton erupted for five third period goals en route to a 6-3 win over Kootenay. Nathan Lieuwen stopped 17 of 18 shots through two periods before allowing four goals in the final frame. He finished the game with 31 saves. The Oil Kings will go for the sweep on Thursday.

In a Wednesday morning tilt, T.J. Brennan scored his 15th goal of the year as Rochester lost to Albany, 2-1. Brennan, who hits the 15-mark for a second straight season, is currently the second leading goal scorer among AHL defenders. The leader, Eric Gelinas of the Devils, has 16 while playing 20 more games.

David Leggio made 32 saves to earn the game's #3 star.

The Rundown:
Brennan: G, -1, 4 SOG
McNabb: A, -1
Adam: 2 SOG
Biega: SOG
Crawford: SOG
Szydlowski: SOG
Lagace: even

Saturday, March 24, 2012

3/23 Recap: Shipley pots pair; Knapp's season complete

Steven Shipley scored a pair of third period goals Friday to earn the game's #3 star as Niagara dismantled Oshawa 6-1 in game #2 of the OHL Eastern Conference quarterfinal. The two-goal outing was Shipley's first in 20 career playoff games while the multi-point effort was his second. The victory gives the IceDogs a 2-0 series lead heading into Sunday's game #3.

In QMJHL action, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored on the power play as Rimouski opened the playoffs with an 8-5 win over Val-d'Or. Foreurs captain Cedrick Henley recorded an assist and a game-high five hits in defeat. The Nics will look to take a 2-0 series lead on Saturday.



In the NCAA East Region semifinal, Connor Knapp made 26 saves in his final game as a collegian as Miami was defeated by Lowell 4-3 in overtime.

Knapp started slowly, getting beat just 1:34 into the game when a shot rang off the crossbar behind him and then went off a crashing player before going over the goal line. Later in the period, a turnover at the Lowell blueline led to Knapp getting beat five-hole on the ensuing breakaway for a shorthanded goal against.

Trailing 3-0 entering the third, the RedHawks scored two goals in 14 seconds early on before completing the comeback midway through the frame to force the OT. However, Lowell ended it quickly by tipping a rebound over Knapp's arm at 2:13 of the extra session to end the RedHawks year.

The 6'6 netminder finishes the season 15-8 with a 1.69 goals against average, a .933 save percentage, and five shutouts. He amassed 46 wins in his four years in Oxford, while setting a Miami record with 13 shutouts.

Elsewhere, Nathan Lieuwen made 25 saves as Kootenay was blanked by Edmonton 3-0 in game #1 of the WHL Western Conference quarterfinal. Mark Pysyk finished +1 for the Oil Kings. The two clubs will continue the series on Sunday.

Kevin Sundher finished even as Brandon was shut out by Calgary, 4-0. Sundher, who was playing his second game after missing 13 of the previous 14 with a concussion, took a five minute rest after trading punches with 17-year old Chase Clayton early in the middle period. After combining for 80 minutes in penalties, the two clubs will unlock their 1-1 series on Sunday.



In the OHL, Gregg Sutch did not return for the third period after getting into a scrap with Trevor Carrick as Barrie was pounded 4-0 by Mississauga in game #2 of their first round series. Sutch, who earlier this season tuned up Leafs prospect Stuart Percy, tried to get his former Majors teammate to go another round before Carrick stepped in to take on the crash-and-banger. Alex Lepkowski finished even on the Colts blueline. The series heads back to Barrie for Monday's game #3.



Dan Catenacci finished -1 as Owen Sound lost to Kitchener 6-2 in game #1 of their OHL Western Conference series. The Attack will look to even the series in Saturday's game #2.

In the AHL, Colin Stuart scored two goals and Maxime Legault added a single as Rochester dropped a 4-3 overtime decision to Binghamton. David Leggio made 33 saves to fall to 23-18-2

Recently inked Phil Varone notched an assist for the Amerks, giving him 39 points in his last 42 games.

The Rundown:
Varone: A
Crawford: A
Adam: A
Biega: A
Szydlowski: even
Lagace: even
McNabb:-2
Brennan: +2
Persson:

Veteran blueliner Dennis Persson skated as a forward while Corey Tropp, Travis Turnbull, and Marcus Foligno continued their tour of duty with the surging Sabres. The Amerks were also playing without Matt MacKenzie, who on Thursday was assigned to Gwinnett of the ECHL.

Next up for the Amerks is a Saturday night tilt with Syracuse.

***

In Friday ECHL play, MacKenzie notched an assist as Gwinnett edged Greenville 3-2 in a shootout. Jonathan Parker did not factor in regulation and missed in his shootout attempt. Riley Boychuk was even with a roughing minor in the win.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

3/17 Recap: Shipley tunes up as Dogs eye run

Steven Shipley scored a goal and two assists Saturday as Niagara hammered Ottawa, 7-3. The 6'3 center is coming on of late on a line with Mitchell Theoret and David Pacan, scoring six goal and 10 points in his last seven games. After finishing the regular season on Sunday with a trip to Mississauga, the top-seeded IceDogs will open the 2012 playoffs on Thursday versus Oshawa.



Dan Catenacci snapped a five-game funk with a faceoff win assist as Owen Sound lost to Guelph, 3-1. With the pair of weekend losses to the Storm, the Attack slip to a 6th place finish in the OHL Western Conference. Owen Sound will be without leading scorer Mike Halmo (suspension) for the entire first round playoff match-up with Kitchener, meaning that Catenacci, who finished the regular season with 33 goals and 72 points, will need to step it up if the Attack is to defend their league crown.



Cedrick Henley recorded an assist as Val-d'Or defeated Baie-Comeau, 7-4. The 6'5 power forward finishes the regular season as Val-d'Or's seventh leading scorer, posting a career-best 13 goals and 39 points in 53 games. The Foreurs will wait for the outcome of Sunday action to learn where they'll be traveling for the first round of the QMJHL playoffs.

Gregg Sutch and Alex Lepkowski did not factor as Barrie was rolled by Brampton, 5-2. Sutch was stung late when he blocked a shot but should be good to go next week when the Colts begin the playoffs at home versus Mississauga.

Colin Jacobs logged a -1 as Seattle lost to Everett, 6-4. The Thunderbirds will now face a must-win situation on Sunday when they battle Portland in the final game of the regular season. Currently two points out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, a Seattle victory will force a one-game tiebreaker with Everett on Tuesday.

Mark Pysyk finished +1 as Edmonton finished the regular season with a 7-3 win over Red Deer. The Oil Kings, who enter the WHL playoffs as the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference, will face defending league champion Kootenay in the first round. The first two games will be played at Rexall on Friday and Sunday.

Nathan Lieuwen made 14 saves as Kootenay was blanked by Calgary, 3-0. The ICE 2011-12 co-MVP, Lieuwen finishes the regular season with 27 wins (11th in WHL), a 2.50 goals against average (3rd) and .914 save percentage (5th).

Brad Eidsness backed up as North Dakota reeled off their seventh straight win to claim the WCHA Final Five Championship with a 4-0 shutout win over Denver. The Sioux victory gives them the automatic bid into the NCAA brackets. Their opponent will be announced Sunday at noon.

Kevin Sundher did not play as Brandon closed out the regular season with a 7-2 win over Regina. The Wheat Kings, who finish as the #6 seed in the WHL Eastern Conference, will hope to have the speedy center back on Thursday when they begin their opening round playoff series at Calgary.

***

In AHL play, blueliners T.J. Brennan (14th) and Nick Crawford (4th) added regulation goals and Paul Szczechura scored in overtime as Rochester edged Binghamton, 4-3.

Travis Turnbull also scored for the Amerks while David Leggio made 33 stops for his fifth win in his last six starts.

The Rundown:
Brennan: G, +1, 6 SOG
Crawford: G, +1, 2 SOG
Lagace: 2 SOG
Adam: -1, 4 SOG
Biega: +1, 2 SOG
Szydlowski: +1

On Friday, Orchard Park native Nick Schaus scored a late power play goal to give Syracuse a 4-3 win over the Amerks. Szczechura and fellow vets Colin Stuart and Evan Rankin provided the Rochester marks, while Phil Varone added two assists.

The Rundown:
Brennan: A, -3, 5 PIM
Biega: A,
Adam: A, 4 SOG
Lagace: 2 PIM
Crawford: +1
Szydlowski: even

Winners of eight of their last 10, the Amerks welcome Syracuse to the BCA for mid-week tilt on Wednesday.

***

In Texas, Drew Schiestel recorded an assist as Texas dropped both ends of a Friday/Saturday set to Oklahoma City. Schiestel has four assists and a +1 rating in six games since being re-assigned to the Stars top affiliate.

***

In the Coast League, Corey Fienhage picked up a pair of assists and Jonathan Parker chipped in a helper as Gwinnett held on for a 4-3 win over Greenville. Riley Boychuk recorded two shots on net in the win.

Since we haven't fed the savages in a while, here's a clip of Boychuk refining his pugilistic skills last weekend against the Road Warriors.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

3/10 Recap: Knapp, Amerks extend streaks

Connor Knapp made 21 saves Saturday as Miami advanced to the CCHA semifinals with a 4-1 win over Michigan State. Knapp, who has now won seven straight starts, is 12-2 with five shutouts since January 1st while allowing one or none in all 12 of the wins. The RedHawks will now wait for the outcome of Sunday's Ferris State/Bowling Green tilt to see who they'll play on Friday at the Joe.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored his 28th goal of the year as Rimouski was doubled by Blainville-Boisbriand, 4-2. Leduc has scored goals in two straight, bringing him within two points of Kevin Sundher in the race for the prospects scoring title with two games left to play. 

Mark Pysyk picked up an an assist to extend his point streak to three games as Edmonton toppled Red Deer, 7-4. The victory gives the Oil Kings 101 points, making them the first WHL club to hit triple digits this season.

Dan Catenacci went without a point for the third straight game as Owen Sound was shut out by Sarnia, 4-0. Catenacci sits with 33 goals and 71 points with three games to play. Stud 2012 prospect Nail Yakupov left the game in the second period after getting blown up by Attack captain Mike Halmo as he crossed the middle.

Nathan Lieuwen made 36 saves but Kootenay came up short in the final period for the second straight night in a 3-2 loss to Spokane. The game's #2 star, Lieuwen weathered the storm in a busy third until the Chiefs beat him for two goals in a span of 30-seconds with less than seven minutes to play.

In Finland, Joel Armia fired nine shots in Assat's 2-1 win over Tappara. The 6'3 wing is stuck at 18 goals with two regular season games remaining.

Elsewhere, Brad Eidsness got the start in the North Dakota net, making 23 saves to earn the game's #3 star as the Sioux finished off Bemidji State, 4-3. The defending back-to-back champions, North Dakota advances to next weekend's WCHA Final Five to face a yet to be determined opponent.

Brad Navin pumped two shots on net as Wisconsin was overcome by Denver, 3-1. The teams will play a third and deciding game Sunday at Magness for the right to advance to the Final Five next week in St. Paul.

Colin Jacobs finished -2 as Seattle suffered through an 11-3 drubbing by Portland. The big center has gone nine games without scoring a goal.

Alex Lepkowski played even as Barrie blanked Belleville, 3-0. Gregg Sutch was given a night off to rest some bumps and bruises

Justin Jokinen recorded four shots on goal as Minnesota State saw their season end with a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Duluth in overtime. Chosen in the 4th round of the 2008 draft, the 6'3 forward ends his Mavericks career with 18 goals and 39 points in 124 games.

Kevin Sundher remained out of action (concussion) as Brandon edged Saskatoon, 2-1.

Christian Isackson was scratched for the eighth straight game as Minnesota defeated Alaska-Anchorage, 7-3.

***

While Marcus Foligno was busy scoring his first NHL goal in the Sabres Saturday night win at Ottawa, the Amerks were rather active themselves receiving marks from six different players en route to a 6-1 rout of Binghamton.

Travis Turnbull paced the winners with a goal and two assists. Mark Voakes dished his way to three helpers. Alex Biega, Maxime Legault, Derek Whitmore, Paul Szczechura and Shaone Morrisonn also scored for Rochester. David Leggio finished with 17 saves while holding the B-Sens scoreless for nearly 55-minutes

The Rundown:
Biega: G, +2
McNabb: A, +3
Crawford: +2
Brennan: +1
Szydlowski: +1

Winners of four straight, the Amerks are off until Friday when they visit in-state rival Syracuse.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Amerks streak ends at three

In Friday AHL play, goals by Brayden McNabb and Luke Adam got Rochester out to a 2-0 lead, but Grand Rapids struck three times in the third to overcome the Amerks, 4-3. The loss snaps a three-game winning streak for the Sabres farmhands.

McNabb gave Rochester a 1-0 lead when he jumped into the slot to beat Ty Conklin for his fourth of the year at 14:54 of the first.

At 1:51 of the second, Rochester gained the two-goal lead when Adam scarfed up a rebound for his first goal in an Amerks sweater.

After the Griffins cashed three straight tallies, T.J. Brennan added his 12th of the year on the power play to tie the game with under seven minutes to play.

Francis Pare answered for Grand Rapids three minutes later to cap the scoring.

David Leggio finished with 28 saves in defeat, while Phil Varone picked up a pair of assists for his seventh multi-point game of the year.

The Rundown:
McNabb: G, -1, 2 SOG
Adam: G, +1, 6 SOG
Brennan: PPG, 4 SOG
Foligno: 5 PIM
Szydlowski: 2 SOG
Crawford: -2
Persson: -1

The Amerks will be in Toronto on Saturday to begin a back-to-back set with the first place Marlies.

***

In the ECHL, Corey Fienhage scored in part of a four-goal third period as Gwinneett as poured it on last to earn an 8-6 win over Trenton. Matt MacKenzie (7 SOG) and Riley Boychuk picked up assists in the win, while Jonathan Parker logged a -3 rating.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Brennan gets two as Amerks survive shootout

Igor Gongalsky capped off a 15-round shootout Saturday as Rochester soldiered to a 4-3 win over Lake Erie. T.J. Brennan scored his 10th and 11th goals of the year in regulation, while Brayden McNabb added a goal and an assist to help the Amerks to their third straight win.

Phil Varone assisted on all three Amerks goals to give him 31 points in his last 33 games. He and Marcus Foligno scored the other shootout goals.

David Leggio was excellent for the second straight night, making 22 saves in regulation and then another 13 in the shootout to secure his 18th victory.

The Rundown:
Brennan: 2G, 2 SOG
McNabb: G, A, 3 SOG
Foligno: A, SHOG
Adam: 2 SOG
Lagace: fighting major
Crawford: -1

The Amerks (26-21-6-3, 61 points, 2nd in North Division) resume play on Friday with a visit to Grand Rapids.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Leggio shines as Amerks win 2nd straight

In Friday AHL play, Derek Whitmore and Dennis Persson scored while David Leggio sparkled with 27 saves as Rochester posted a 2-0 shutout victory over Adirondack. The Amerks (25-21-6-3) have won two straight, and now sit in 9th place in the Western Conference standings with 59 points.

Whitmore's game winner at 11:00 of the first was his team-leading 23rd goal of the year. Third-year man Persson cashed on a power play in the early second period to give him goals in two straight games for the second time in his career.

Luke Adam assisted on both Rochester goals for his second multi-point game in an Amerks sweater. The reigning AHL rookie of the year has collected five assists in six games since being re-assigned.

The game's #1 star, Leggio posted his second shutout of the year and fifth of his AHL career to improve to 17-15-3-1.

The Rundown:
Persson: G, +1, 5 SOG
Adam: 2A, +1, 2 PIM
Foligno: SOG, 2 PIM
Brennan: 2 SOG
McNabb: 2 PIM
Lagace: SOG
Crawford: 2 SOG

The Amerks welcome Lake Erie to the BCA on Saturday.

***

On Wednesday, Corey Tropp potted a pair of goals and an assist to lead Rochester to a 5-2 win over Hershey. Persson added a goal and an assist for the Amerks, while Marcus Foligno notched his 14th of the season.



The Rundown:
Tropp: 2G, A, +2
Foligno: G, +1
Crawford: 2A
Adam: A, -1
McNabb: +2
Brennan: 3 SOG
Lagace: -1

Sunday, February 19, 2012

2/18 Recap: Cat keeps cashing; Knapp stays sharp

Dan Catenacci continued his recent surge Saturday with his 29th goal of the year as Owen Sound earned a 5-4 overtime win at Windsor. The speedy pivot, who broke the game's seal at 3:08 of the first period, has been on a tear with nine goals and 16 points in his last 10 games. Chris Marchese ('12) had a goal and an assist for the Spits. Winners of six straight, the Attack will continue their three-games-in-three-nights run through the Western Division on Sunday at Saginaw.

Connor Knapp was again sharp in the crease, stopping 28 of 29 shots as Miami earned the weekend sweep with a 4-1 win over Notre Dame. The 6'6 senior has racked up 10 wins in his last 12 starts to improve to 11-6 with a 1.65 GAA and .934 save percentage. The RedHawks will finish the CCHA regular season schedule next weekend with a home-and-home with Ohio State.

Colin Jacobs returned from a one-game absence to score his eighth goal of the year as Seattle got pummeled by Portland, 11-2. The 6'1 center scored on the wraparound at 17:25 of the third. On the very next shift, he gave the puck up at the blueline to allow the Winterhawks the chance to get their 11th of the game. The T-Birds host Spokane on Sunday.



Brad Eidsness made 23 saves as North Dakota played to 1-1 overtime tie with Michigan Tech. The weekend marked the first back-to-back WCHA starts since March of 2010 for Eidsness, who has held firm in limited duty this season with a 5-2-1 record, 1.92 goals against average, and .926 save percentage. The Sioux return to action next weekend at Denver.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc finished -1 as Rimouski dropped a 2-1 overtime decision at Cape Breton. With 10 games remaining on the regular season schedule, the 6'1 righty continues to lead all QMJHL defensemen with 62 points (24+38). He has zero goals in his last six games, and just 10 points since January 1st. The Oceanic will remain in Sydney for Sunday's afternoon rematch with the Eagles.

Justin Jokinen notched a secondary assist on the game-tying goal with just 2:04 to play as Minnesota State and Minnesota-Duluth skated to a 4-4 tie. The senior forward has four assists in his last six games while going without a goal in his last dozen. Of his 13 points (3+10) this season, zero have come on the power play. The Mavericks will take next weekend off before closing the WCHA schedule at North Dakota.

Gregg Sutch got into his fifth scrap of the year and Alex Lepkowski was +1 as Barrie downed Oshawa, 5-1. With the Colts holding a 3-0 lead late in the third period, the 6'2 Sutch tangled with 6'2 Josh Graves, getting the better of the Generals forward on the punchstat. The Colts travel to Oshawa on Monday.



Steven Shipley was held without a point as Niagara pitched a 3-1 shutout of Sault Ste. Marie. With 16 goals and 21 assists, the 6'3 center will need to average over a point-per-game in the final dozen games to equal his point output from last season. The Dogs will welcome the Greyhounds back to St. Catharines on Thursday.

Nathan Lieuwen allowed four goals on 24 shots as Kootenay lost to Regina, 4-2. Regina's Chandler Stephenson ('12) broke a 2-2 tie on the power play with 4:03 left before the Pats added another late mark in the waning seconds. Despite the less than sparkling performance, the 6'5 stopper remains atop the WHL leaderboard with a 2.32 goals against average. The ICE will travel to Brandon on Tuesday.

Kevin Sundher missed his third game with an upper body injury as the Wheat Kings defeated Prince Albert, 6-2. Brandon will ride a four-game winning streak into Tuesday's meeting with the ICE.

Drew MacKenzie finished -1 while going without a shot on goal for the first time in 16 games as Vermont lost to New Hampshire, 3-1. The Catamounts are back at it Friday when they host Boston University.

Brad Navin was unable to get a shot on net for the second straight night as Wisconsin downed Denver, 5-2. The freshman left wing has recorded just one assist in his last 12 games. The Badgers will be on the road again next weekend when they travel to Bemidji State.

Mark Adams was scratched as Providence and Northeastern played to a 2-2 tie. The weekend ends without a win or loss in both games for the Friars, who will ready themselves for Friday's tilt with Boston College.

Christian Isackson was scratched for the second straight game as Minnesota skated to a 4-1 win over Bemidji State. The Gophers will pay a visit to Nebraska-Omaha next weekend.

***

In AHL play, Phil Varone scored a shorthanded goal midway through the third period for the only Amerks offensive highlight in a 3-1 loss at Lake Erie. The tally, Varone's eighth of the year and 26th point in his last 30 games, elevates the rookie into the team's scoring lead.



The Rundown:
Brennan: 2 SOG, 2 PIM
Tropp: 6 SOG, 6 PIM
Foligno: 4 PIM
McNabb: 3 SOG, 5 PIM
Lagace: -1, 2 SOG, 2 PIM
Biega: 1 SOG, 2 PIM
Schiestel: +1
Crawford: -2, 2 SOG
Adam: -2, 2 SOG

The Amerks will close out their three-game weekend on Sunday when they welcome division rival Hamilton to the BCA.

***

In the ECHL, Shawn Szydlowski scored his first professional goal as Gwinnett took a 4-3 shootout win over Kalamazoo. On Friday, Szydlowski, Riley Boychuk, and Jonathan Parker all picked up assists in their first games since being re-assigned as the Gladiators defeated Chicago, 4-3.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

2/17 Recap: Knapp red hot for RedHawks, MacKenzie strikes

Connor Knapp made 31 saves for the third shutout in his last eight starts and 11th of his career as #19 Miami blanked #13 Notre Dame, 3-0. The senior netminder moves to 10-6 on the year with a 1.69 goals against average (2nd in nation) and .931 save percentage. It's fair to expect Knapp to remain in net when the RedHawks go for the CCHA sweep on Saturday. In nine starts since the new year, he's posted a dominating 1.03 goals against average and red hot .957 save percentage.

Drew MacKenzie scored on a backhand at 1:38 of overtime as Vermont won at New Hampshire, 4-3. MacKenzie, who also recorded an assist, now has seven goals and 22 points this season while registering in 19 of 27 games. His .81 points per game ranks 11th in nation for NCAA defenders. The win snapped a seven-game losing streak for the Catamounts, who will look for their first sweep of the season Saturday in Durham.



Dan Catenacci scored his prospect-leading 28th goal of the year as Owen Sound throttled Plymouth, 5-1. The 5'10 center has 63 points with 13 games remaining in the schedule. The Attack, third in the Midwest Division and fifth in the Western conference, continue their road trip on Saturday in Windsor.

Cedrick Henley scored his 11th goal of the year and first in 10 games as Val-d'Or lost in a shootout to Drummondville, 4-3. The rugged affair featured a total of seven fights, including five in a span of seven seconds in the middle frame during which Henley dropped the mitts for his fourth major of the year. The Foreurs next visit Blainville-Boisbriand on Sunday.



Brad Eidsness made 19 saves as #14 North Dakota doubled Michigan Tech, 4-2. The victory was the 55th of Eidsness' career, tying for him 3rd on the Sioux's all-time list. Eidsness, who has won his last three starts, could get the nod again on Saturday with Aaron Dell listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed upper-body injury.

Steven Shipley notched an assist in Niagara's 5-2 win over Sudbury. The IceDogs return to action Saturday in Sault Ste. Marie.

Mark Pysyk (-1) earned a pair of minor penalties as Edmonton ended their road trip with a 6-2 loss Vancouver. The Oil Kings get the weekend off with their next game coming Monday at home against Medicine Hat.

Gregg Sutch (2 PIM) and Alex Lepkowski (+1) did not factor into the scoring as Barrie defeated Kitchener, 5-3. The Colts will welcome Oshawa to town on Saturday.

Joel Armia recorded two shots on goal as Assat was shut out by SaiPa, 2-0. The big wing will look to avoid his first three-game point drought since November on Saturday when Assat takes on Lukko.

Mark Adams was -1 as Providence and Northeastern played a 1-1 tie. The two clubs will close the Hockey East set on Saturday in Boston. You can see Adams (#4) on the play as the Huskies scored their only goal.



Justin Jokinen assisted on the game's first goal as Minnesota State lost to #4 Minnesota-Duluth, 4-2. The 6'3 senior has no goals in his last 11 games.

Brad Navin skated even as Wisconsin was shut out by #10 Denver, 3-0. The Badgers, who outshot the opponent for the third straight, for look for the split Saturday at Magness.

Nathan Lieuwen was given the night off as Kootenay got past Spokane, 4-3. The 6'5 netminder is expected to return to action on Saturday when the ICE host Regina.

Kevin Sundher missed his second game with an upper body injury as Brandon crushed Prince Albert, 6-1. The two clubs will play it back on Saturday.

Colin Jacobs did not play as Seattle lost to Tri-City, 5-2. The T-Birds go right back at it on Saturday with an afternoon tilt at Portland.

Christian Isackson was a healthy scratch as #7 Minnesota shut down Bemidji State, 3-0.

***

In the AHL, T.J. Brennan (9th) scored the game winning goal as Rochester dominated Lake Erie, 6-2. Brayden McNabb struck late on the power play for his second goal of the season, while Marcus Foligno potted his 13th of the year. Luke Adam notched two assists for his first points as an Amerk.

Derek Whitmore paced the Amerks with a pair of goals, while Phil Varone added three assists. David Leggio made 20 saves for his 15th win of the year.

The Rundown:
Brennan: G, A, 3 SOG
Foligno: G, -1, 4 SOG
McNabb: G, 3 SOG
Adam: 2A, 4 SOG
Tropp: A, +1, 2 SOG, 5 PIM
Schiestel: A
Crawford: A, +1, 2 SOG
Biega: +1, 4 SOG

Sunday, February 12, 2012

2/11 Recap: Catenacci grabs lead in Attack rout

Dan Catenacci scored his prospect-leading 27th goal of the year Saturday and added an assist as Owen Sound pitched a 12-0 blowout of Peterborough. The speedy 5'10 center has seven goals and 14 points in his last eight games. A season ago, he posted just six marks in 30 games after January 1st. Catenacci now has 21 multi-point games this season, while the 27 goals sets a new career high.



Nathan Lieuwen made 22 saves as Kootenay downed Saskatoon, 5-2. The 6'5 netminder has gone 3-1 thus far in February, allowing two goals or fewer in all four starts. He'll enter the stretch run with a WHL-leading 2.30 goals against average.

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc extended his blueline points lead with a pair of assists in Rimouski's 5-4 shootout win over Blainville-Boisbriand. Leduc, who missed in his attempt as the Nics third shooter, has a goal and five assists in five February games to up his line to 24-38-62 through 50 games.



Cedrick Henley snapped an eight-game point drought with an assist as Val-d'Or bagged a 6-5 overtime win over Cape Breton. The 20-year old forward has 27 points (10+17) in 41 games.

Mark Pysyk tied a career-high with a +4 rating as Edmonton avenged their loss the night before with a 5-0 victory over Prince George. The steady captain has 10 points (2+8) in 16 games since returning from the World Junior Championship.

Colin Jacobs earned an assist as Seattle got smoked by Portland, 7-2. The 6'1 Texan has three goals and two assists in his last five games.

Steven Shipley did not factor into the scoring as Niagara blanked Barrie, 3-0. Alex Lepkowski finished -1 for the Colts, while Gregg Sutch collected two minor penalties including an unsportsmanlike after a spirited wrestling match with Luke Mercer late in the third.

Brad Eidsness entered the game in the 22nd minute, stopping all 14 shots he faced the rest of the way as North Dakota's comeback came up short in a 5-4 loss to Minnesota-Duluth. Eidsness, who came over the boards at 1:46 of the middle frame after Aaron Dell allowed five goals on 17 shots, used the relief work to improve to a 2.08 goals against average and .924 save percentage.

Justin Jokinen (-2) punched two shots goal on as Minnesota State earned their first WCHA sweep of the seaosn with a 2-1 win at Alaska-Anchorage. The senior has three goals and 11 points with four games left on the regular season schedule.

Mark Adams played even as Providence defeated Massachusetts, 5-4. Undrafted forward Mike Pereira, a player mentioned in the past two previews, scored a hat trick for the Minutemen.

Christian Isackson (-1) contributed two shots on goal as #2 Minnesota was defeated for the second straight night by #14 Denver, 4-3. The weekend split marked the first time that Isackson played in both games of a WCHA series.

Connor Knapp was given the night off as Miami earned the non-conference sweep with a 4-1 win over Alabama-Huntsville. The 6'6 senior currently leads the CCHA with a 1.81 goals against average (t3rd in nation).

***

T.J. Brennan scored in his first game back on the farm as Rochester was defeated by San Antonio, 4-1.

Trailing 1-0 in the second period, Brennan fired a laser from the point to tie the game. The mark was his eighth of the year and first AHL point since January 8th. Drew Schiestel and Paul Szczechura drew assists on the play.

Reigning AHL Most Outstanding Rookie Luke Adam, who along with Brennan was loaned to the AHL club earlier in the day, finished with two shots on goal and a pair of stick penalties. It was his first game in a Rochester uniform after scoring 29 goals and 62 points last season with Portland.

The Rundown:
Brennan: G, -1, 1 SOG
Schiestel: A, 1 SOG
McNabb: -1, 1 SOG
Tropp: -1, 1 SOG
Crawford: 1 SOG
Parker: 1 SOG
Foligno: -1
Adam: 2 SOG
Fienhage: even
Lagace: even

The Amerks are now off until Friday when they host division foe Lake Erie.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

2/10 Recap: Kassian collects, Jacobs ramping up

In Friday AHL action, Zack Kassian scored a pair of goals while Corey Tropp (three assists) and Brayden McNabb (two assists) posted multi-point nights in Rochester's 9-4 blowout win over Texas. Kassian, whose effort included a short-handed tally, has now scored five goals on 12 shots in his last three games with Rochester.

Travis Turnbull (+5) earned the game's first star with two goals and an assist. Jonathan Parker, Paul Szczechura, Derek Whitmore, Mark Voakes, and Maxime Legault added singles for the Amerks.

All but four Amerks skaters (Lagace, Schiestel, Persson, Ryan) earned a point in the win. Drew MacIntyre made 23 stops to move to 8-11-0-2 on the year.

The Rundown:
Kassian: 2G, 6 SOG, +2
Parker: G, 3 SOG
Tropp: 3A, +4
McNabb: 2A, +2
Fienhage: 2A, +1
Crawford: A, +1
Foligno: A
Lagace: 2 SOG
Schiestel: +1
Persson: +2

The Amerks (22-18-6-3, 2nd in North Division) host San Antonio on Saturday.

***

Colin Jacobs recorded a goal and an assist as Seattle lost to Spokane, 5-4. While on a 5x3 in the middle period, the 6'1 center took a long pass and buried the breakaway backhander for his third goal in his last four games. The T-Birds will welcome another division rival to town on Saturday when they host Portland.

Kevin Sundher scored his 26th of the year and second in as many games as Brandon doubled Swift Current, 6-3. The win snaps the Wheat Kings six-game losing streak at home. Brandon will travel to Medicine Hat on Sunday.

Connor Knapp was forced to make just 11 saves as #12 Miami downed Alabama-Huntsville 3-1 in a non-conference affair. The 6'6 senior, who has now started eight of Miami's last 11 games, moves to 9-6 on the year. The two clubs will close the set Saturday in Oxford.



Justin Jokinen picked up an assist as Minnesota State defeated Alaska-Anchorage, 3-2. The senior wing now has a goal and three assists in three games this season versus the Seawolves. The teams will play it back on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc finished +1 as Rimouski edged Quebec, 2-1. Leduc continues to lead all QMJHL defenders in scoring with 60 points (24+36), nine more than his next closest competitor. The Oceanic will battle Blainville-Boisbriand on Saturday.

Cedrick Henley registered three hits as Val-d'Or was dealt a 3-1 defeat by Moncton. The 6'5 captain will look to snap an eight-game point drought on Saturday when the Foreurs host Cape Breton.

Alex Lepkowski skated even while Gregg Sutch got into his third fight of the year (and second in a week) as Barrie got past Sudbury, 4-3. Winners of five straight, the Colts will host the Niagara IceDogs (winners of four straight) on Saturday.



Drew MacKenzie was held to one shot on goal as Vermont was blown out by #5 Boston College, 6-1. The senior rearguard has gathered points in 18 of his last 24 games. The Catamounts are off until Friday when they visit New Hampshire.

Mark Adams logged a shot on goal as Providence earned a 4-3 win over #12 Maine. The friars move on to face Massachusetts on Saturday.

Christian Isackson saw action as the fourth line center, finishing -2 with a shot on goal as #2 Minnesota suffered a 5-3 loss at #14 Denver. The six-footer will look to dress in both ends of a WCHA set for the first time when the clubs rematch Saturday at Magness.

Mark Pysyk logged a season-low -3 rating as Edmonton dropped a 5-4 overtime decision at Prince George. The Oil Kings, ranked sixth in the latest CHL rankings, will look for the road split when the clubs play the rematch on Saturday.

Brad Eidsness served as backup as #16 North Dakota downed #3 Minnesota-Duluth, 3-1. The Sioux will likely keep the same lineup when they go for the sweep on Saturday.

Nathan Lieuwen was given the night off as Kootenay was shut out 2-0 by Red Deer. The ICE host Saskatoon on Saturday.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Kassian adds pair in Amerks loss

Zack Kassian added two goals to his stat line Wednesday but the Amerks were halted by Toronto, 4-3. Maxime Legault (2009, 7th round) added the other Rochester mark, while Brayden McNabb added a pair of assists.

Kassian finished his own rebound to get the Amerks on the board at 1:43 of the second period, halving the Marlies lead to 2-1.



After the Marlies regained a two-goal lead in the third, Corey Tropp started a passing play that resulted in Legault's fourth of the year.



Trailing 4-2 in the game's final minute, Kassian tipped in his second of the game and 13th of the year with just :04 to go to complete the scoring.



The Amerks (21-18-6-3) remain in second place in the North Division.

Mike Ryan earned an assist in his first game back since October 14th.

The Rundown:
Kassian: 2G, 4 SOG, +1
McNabb: 2A, 3 SOG, +3
Tropp: A, 1 SOG
Schiestel: +2
Fienhage: +1
Lagace: even
Crawford: even
Persson: -2

Sunday, February 5, 2012

More points than vowels: Szczechura guides Amerks win

In Saturday AHL action, Paul Szczechura's overtime winner capped his four-point night to lead the Amerks to 5-4 win over Syracuse. Brayden McNabb and Marcus Foligno each chipped in with pairs of assists in the win to extend their point streaks to four games.

Trailing 4-2 entering the third period, the Amerks started the comeback by clicking on their only power play of the night when Travis Turnbull redirected Drew Schiestel's point shot at 7:49.


It was all Szczechura from there, as the center forced the extra session with his second goal of the night with under five minutes left in regulation before cashing in OT for his first career hat trick. The four points ties his career high. McNabb drew the lone assist on both the tying and winning marks.



With a one-time goal in the second period, Phil Varone has now earned a point in 14 of his last 20 games.

Drew McIntyre made 33 saves to improve to 7-11-0-2 on the year.

The Rundown:
Foligno: 2A, +4, 6 SOG
McNabb: 2A, +3
Schiestel: A
Lagace: A
Crawford: A, -1
Parker: 3 SOG
Szydlowski: 1 SOG
Persson: -1

***

On Friday, the Amerks were defeated 3-2 in overtime by visiting Abbotsford to split the back-to-back set. Szczechura and Igor Gongalsky had the Amerks goals.

The Rundown:
Foligno: A
McNabb: +1
Schiestel: -1, 2 SOG
Lagace: -1, 2 SOG
Crawford: -1
Parker: even
Persson: +1