By: Zach Harnischfeger
ROCHESTER, N.Y. --- The Rochester Americans entered the game looking to snap a three-game losing streak as they went to battle against the Syracuse Crunch at Blue Cross Arena Friday night. Strong defense and a big night from Isak Rosén led the Amerks to a 3-0 shutout victory over the Crunch.
"The fact that they ended our season last year is definitely motivation to beat them," Amerks goalie Devon Levi said. "Tomorrow will be a battle. They're going to come out strong, especially after a loss today so that'll be our next challenge and that'll be a big one. We are excited for tomorrow."
Rosén recorded a team high in points with three (two + one) and goals with two in the victory. He was the only Amerk to have a multi-point game.
Levi pitched a shutout in net for the Amerks saving all 20 shots on goal from the Crunch. This was his first shutout of his professional career.
The shots on goal were limited for Rochester in the shutout win as they only had 14 only the night.
Rochester got off to a fast start after Rosen lit the lamp on a power play. The puck bounced off the right post and into the net, giving the Americans a 1-0 lead just two minutes into the game. Center Konsta Helenius was credited with the assist.
"You get caught watching a little bit when [Rosén] is on the ice," Amerks defensemen Jack Rathbone said. "He is a fun player to watch, he is super skilled. I think we got a lot of guys like that in terms of our backend. We get the puck out of our hands and get it up into the forwards and let them make plays and he made a few great ones tonight."
Rosen scoring his first goal of the game on Nov. 29 2024. Video Credit: @AmerksHockey on X
In the last nine regular-season games against the Crunch, including tonight, Rochester has outscored Syracuse 13-5 in the opening period of play dating back to last season.
Both teams went back and forth exchanging missed scoring chances throughout the rest of the first period. The Rochester defense held strong, only allowing three shots on goal the entire period.
At the 12:39 mark in the second period, Rathbone found left winger Brett Murray who netted Rochester's second goal on a two-man advantage and wide-open net.
The Amerks entered the game ranked near the bottom of the AHL in power play percentage with 14.1%. They finished the day two-of-six in the power play department.
"Special teams is really important," Amerks head coach Michael Leone said. "It gives you momentum, especially those top guys when they are on the power play and you're feeling good about yourself and their skill comes out. I think it has been a long time coming. We have been doing a lot of really good things on the power play and sometimes it doesn't go in but they got rewarded tonight."
Murray's goal on a two-man advantage on Nov. 29 2024. Video Credit: @AmerksHockey on X
With eight seconds remaining in the second period, Rosén scored his second goal of the game via the top shelf, to give Rochester a 3-0 lead. This was the final score of the game.
Dating back to the 2016-2017 regular season, Rochester owns a 35-11-5 record against the Crunch when they score three or more goals. They made it 36-11-5 with the win tonight.
With the win, the Rochester Americans improve to 9-7-3 on the season and are fourth in the North. As for Syracuse, the loss dropped the team to 8-7-1 and they're right behind the Amerks in fifth.
Rochester travels to Syracuse to take on the Crunch tomorrow in game two of a two game series. Puck drop is at 5 p.m.
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