Amerks shutout Comets

Ryan Oleksyn / Sports writer

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The Rochester Americans defeated the Utica Comets 3-0 on Friday as Amerks goalie Devon Levi earned another shutout this season. Rochester controlled the game and limited Utica's scoring opportunities as they took the first game of this homestand.

"It's good to see us play that way for 60 minutes," said Amerks head coach Michael Leone. "Anytime you win in this league, you have to enjoy it and be proud."

Faceoff between Utica and Rochester on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. (Photo: Juniper Lasky)

The game began quiet as few shots on goal were exchanged between the two teams. Rochester earned a power play opportunity in the period but were unsuccessful to score.

With only three minutes and 11 seconds remaining in the first period, Rochester finally found the back of the net thanks to defenseman Nikita Novikov. It was Novikov's sixth goal of the season and he was assisted by Aiden Fulp and Riley Fiddler-Schultz.

Video: @AmerksHockey on X.

After one period of play the Amerks were ahead on the scoreboard 1-0 over Utica, Rochester also led in shots on goal 10-3.

The second frame began very similar to the first, and with almost half the second period gone, it would now be Utica receiving a power play opportunity. But the Comets would be stonewalled by Levi. Levi faced multiple looks from all across the Amerks zone but answered the call and helped Rochester kill off the hooking penalty.

The Amerks would ride the successful penalty kill by capitalizing on the other end as Rochester winger Isak Rosén entered the offensive zone and split the defense and buried a wrister, earning him his 19th goal of the season and increasing their lead over Utica to 2-0.

Video: @AmerksHockey on X.

After two periods of play Rochester led by a score of 2-0 and was leading in shots on goal 15-12.

Just like the first two periods, both sides exchanged in tight chances at the net, but neither were able to capitalize through the first eight minutes. but after both teams traded penalties, Rochester had the extra attacker and with a five-on-four man advantage they delivered. Rochester defenseman Ryan Johnson was in front of the net and redirected the puck past Utica goaltender Jakub Málek.

It was Johnson's fourth goal of the season and assists were credited to Viktor Neuchev and Trevor Kuntar. With only 9:53 remaining in the third the Amerks now led the Comets by a score of 3-0.

With the clock dwindling down and the Utica net empty, the Comets pushed for a late offensive run. The Amerks responded with only allowing one shot on goal in the final few minutes and sealing the 3-0 shutout win for Devon Levi.

With that shutout, Levi has now earned his second straight home shutout and his 10th shutout of his career. He also notched his record up to 14-7-6-3 on the season.

Devon Levi in position to make a save on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. (Photo: Juniper Lasky)

"I love playing here, it's the best, the fans are awesome," said Levi. "It's a great atmosphere."

The Amerks next game is tomorrow as they play host to the Cleveland Monsters at 5:05 p.m. With the win, Rochester now sits in a third-place tie in the North Division with Toronto and improve their record to 20-13-4-2 on the season.