The Calder Cup Playoffs began yesterday for the Rochester Americans, but it didn’t start the way they wanted it to.
Despite out-shooting the opposing Toronto Marlies 34-18, the Amerks were sunk by a four goal effort from Marlies forward Greg Scott en route to a 6-3 loss.
Zemgus Girgensons scored two goals in the losing effort (with two assists from newly acquired Johan Larsson) while Cody McCormick flashed his scoring prowess no the third goal. David Leggio turned in a disappointing effort, stopping just 12 shots out of the 17 he faced – it was his 14th loss in his last 15 games versus Toronto.
With that in mind, newcomer Matt Hackett will get the start today as game two begins at 3:00pm. Since coming to Rochester, Hackett is 3-0 with a 1.62 GAA and a sparkling .955 save percentage.
The Amerks and Marlies are very familiar opponents, seeing as they played 10 times in the regular season; unfortunately, Rochester went 1-7-1-1 in those game. The Marlies also bounced the Amerks from last year’s playoffs in the first round three games to none.
Fans can watch today’s game on Time Warner Cable Sports channel – channel 87 in or 98 in Rochester- or can listen live on the radio via 1280 WHTK.
Here’s their series schedule, courtesy of Amerks.com:
Western Conference Quarterfinal – Series “F” (best-of-5):
7-Rochester Americans vs. 2-Toronto Marlies
Game 1: Saturday, April 27 at 3:00 p.m. at Ricoh Coliseum – Marlies 6, Amerks 3
Game 2: Sunday, April 28 at 3:00 p.m. at Ricoh Coliseum
Game 3: Wednesday, May 1 at 7:05 p.m. at The Blue Cross Arena
Game 4: Thursday, May 2 at 7:05 p.m. at The Blue Cross Arena*
Game 5: Saturday, May 4 at 3:00 p.m. at Ricoh Coliseum*