The champagne will have to stay corked for at least one more night. Entering Friday evening with a prime opportunity to officially secure their fifth consecutive trip to the Calder Cup Playoffs, the Rochester Americans saw their clinching scenario temporarily derailed by a desperate Springfield Thunderbirds squad. Despite a heroic effort between the pipes from rookie netminder Scott Ratzlaff and a dramatic late-game tally from Trevor Kuntar, a string of second-period mistakes and missed power-play chances ultimately doomed the visitors in a 3-1 defeat at the MassMutual Center. The frustrating loss snaps a promising three-game win streak for Rochester, keeping their playoff magic number frozen and forcing the team to regroup before their next chance to finally punch that elusive postseason ticket. Amerks Shake Off Slow Start, Take Shot Advantage Into First Intermission Rookie goaltender Scott Ratzlaff got the starting nod in the crease for the Rochester Americans on Friday night, and he was immediately put to the test. The...Read More

The Rochester Americans are heading into the weekend with a massive opportunity right in front of them. Through all the adversity they have faced this year, the Amerks are officially on the brink of locking down a postseason berth. They continue their current road trip with a Friday night clash against the Springfield Thunderbirds at the MassMutual Center. Puck drop is slated for 7:00 PM, and fans can follow the action live on 95.7 FM WGR or stream it through AHLTV. Riding a Wave of Momentum Rochester brings plenty of confidence into Massachusetts after a thrilling come-from-behind victory on Wednesday night. Despite giving up the opening goal to Syracuse, the Amerks rallied back to secure a tight 3-2 win. The difference-maker came off the stick of rookie Chris Douglas, who buried his first professional goal midway through the final frame to seal the victory. Furthermore, Olivier Nadeau turned heads by registering his first career two-goal performance in the AHL. Between...Read More