Rochester continued their winning ways this past week, with three wins in three games.
As we have seen throughout this season, the Americans were able to succeed in all facets of the game – offensively, defensively and in goal.
With a great week, Rochester moves into sole possession of first place in the North Division.
Results
December 11 – Rochester 4, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 2
ROC: C. Lazar (6), J. Dea (9), A. Oglevie (10), C. Smith (4)
ROC: A. Hammond – 22 saves (W – 9-2-2)
December 13 – Rochester 3, Laval 2
ROC: C. Nelson (4), S. Malone (6), E. Cornel (5)
ROC: J. Johansson – 26 saves (W – 8-2-2)
December 14 – Rochester 5, Laval 0
ROC: Z. Redmond (4), J. Gilmour (1), J. Dea (10), C. Smith (5), B. Hickey (1)
ROC: A. Hammond – 27 saves (W -10-2-2)
Three Big Things
1: We’re Going Streaking
It feels like we talk about how good the Rochester Americans have been this season and rightfully so.
With that being said, they are on some sort of streak as of late.
On Saturday, Rochester recorded their fifth shutout of the season and became just the third team to hit the 40 point mark.
For perspective, there have been a total of 52 points available to the Rochester Americans this season. They have gathered 40 of those points.
Will this pace continue? We are are hard pressed to think otherwise.
2: Reinforcements Coming
The Rochester Americans have struggled this season with injuries, which is understandable considering the nature of hockey.
While Rochester has strived with the depth they have in place, reinforcements never hurt.
On Sunday, the Buffalo Sabres sent down a young forward.
Roster Move: The Sabres have assigned forward Casey Mittelstadt to the Rochester Americans (AHL).
— Sabres PR (@SabresPR) December 15, 2019
Despite Mittelstadt’s noted struggles with an increased role at the National Hockey League level, his arrival in Rochester should be seen as an exciting time for Amerks fans.
Mittelstadt, 21 years old, has not yet made his American Hockey League debut but is expected to be in the lineup soon.
His playmaking ability has been hampered by an apparent loss of confidence in his own game.
With how Rochester has been rolling, some time on the farm should only help Mittelstadt re-spark his development.
3: Hard to Win When You Can’t Score
When you ask why the Rochester Americans are doing so well, one person might point to the offense and see the team’s scoring prowess that has developed.
Someone else might point to the pin-point goaltending Rochester has received through 26 games.
A wise person would point to the defense and realize that Rochester is loaded on the blueline.
Rochester currently boasts a blueline that features defending Eddie Shore Aware winner Zach Redmond, Lawrence Pilut, Casey Nelson, Jacob Bryson, Casey Fitzgerald, John Gilmour, Will Borgen, Andrew MacWilliam, Brandon Hickey and Nathan Paetsch.
Seven of those defensemen have played at least one game at the NHL level. As cliche as it sounds, they know what it takes to get to the league.
The talent that Jason Botterill and Randy Sexton has amassed in Rochester has allowed the goaltenders to play with a little more ease and the offense’s transition has been aided as well.
Things continue to look good in Rochester.
Standings
Coming Up
Wednesday, December 18 – Rochester Americans at Binghamton Devils
Friday, December 20 – Rochester Americans vs Binghamton Devils
Saturday, December 21 – Rochester Americans vs Utica Comets