The Rochester Americans (30-17-4-5) forced overtime yet again with a goal in the final minute of regulation to extend their point streak to six games, but the Utica Comets (30-20-3-2) survived the comeback as they stole the extra point with a 3-2 shootout win Wednesday at The Blue Cross Arena.
Despite the shootout loss, the Amerks, who have earned nine out of a possible 12 points in the last six games, hold a four-point lead over the Comets for second place in the AHL’s North Division standings. Rochester has collected at least one point in 19 of the last 25 games against Utica dating back to the start of the 2017-18 campaign, going 13-6-2-4 over that span.
Forward C.J. Smith notched his sixth multi-point outing of the slate as he registered an assist on goals from both Casey Mittelstadt and Scott Wilson, whose 10th of the season with 28 seconds remaining in the third period sent the contest into overtime. Alternate captain and veteran defenseman Zach Redmond appeared in his 500th professional game. Goaltender Andrew Hammond (14-11-3) stopped 25 of the 27 shots he faced, including four saves in the shootout, but suffered the defeat.
We came back to earn a point but fall in the SO pic.twitter.com/4UV2kdwoNj
— Rochester Americans (@AmerksHockey) February 27, 2020
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