Rochester’s woes continued this past week, with three more losses into the books.
Fortunately for the Amerks, they were able to salvage one of six available points in this last stretch of games but their descent down the North Division has begun.
Here is to taking a look back at the week that was:
Results
January 8 – Binghamton 4, Rochester 3 (SO)
ROC: C. Mittelstadt (3), A. MacWilliam (1), E. Cornel (7)
ROC: J. Johansson – 27 saves (SOL – 11-2-3)
January 10 – Belleville 5, Rochester 1
ROC: C. Smith (6)
ROC: J. Johansson – 13 saves (L – 11-3-3)
January 11 – Syracuse 5, Rochester 4
ROC: T. Randell (5), J. Gilmour (4), B. Murray (5), J. Dea (12)
ROC: A. Hammond – 28 saves (L – 10-8-2)
Three Big Things
1: The Saga Continues
As you might have been able to see above, Rochester’s losing skid continued in a somewhat ugly way these past three games.
Rochester was outscored 14-8 and found themselves outmatched throughout most of the past week.
The 0-2-1 record this week pushes Rochester’s winless streak to four games (0-3-1). To expand on that winless streak, since their three-game win streak in mid-December, the Amerks have posted a record of 3-7-1.
2: Confidence Builder
Casey Mittelstadt has all eyes on him whenever he steps on the ice with the Rochester Amerks.
It was no secret that Mittelstadt struggled in his first eight games with the Amerks, but has since turned things on – including two points (one goal, one assist) in the last three games.
Mittelstadt himself noticed a difference in his game.
“It’s a lot different,” Mittelstadt told the assembled media. “I think it took me 3-4 games to get used to it and get adjusted. I’m feeling better now, but it’s definitely a different game.”
3: Goaltending Issues
Andrew Hammond and Jonas Johansson started out the season red-hot, thanks in part to a very talented defensive group in front of them.
While the defense does not make the complete difference, it certainly does help out.
For example, the Amerks were without stud defenseman Lawrence Pilut this week. They proceeded to go 0-2-1 and allow 14 goals.
Jonas Johansson has allowed three goals in all of his last four starts, dating back to December 27. Prior to this stretch, Johansson only had four total starts all season with three or more goals.
As for Andrew Hammond, we see him as the captain of the struggle bus at this point.
In his last six starts, Hammond has allowed 21 goals. That averages out to an above-average 3.58 goals-allowed-average. On top of that, Hammond’s save percentage averages out to around .867.
Not good, to say the least.
Standings
Coming Up
Friday, January 17 – Rochester Americans vs Cleveland Monsters
Saturday, January 18 – Rochester Americans at Lehigh Valley Phantoms
Sunday, January 19 – Rochester Americans at Hershey Bears