The Rochester Americans kept their playoff hopes alive with a 8-1 win over the Utica Comets in the regular-season finale on Friday night at the Blue Cross Arena.
Rochester can clinch a playoff spot on Saturday if the Toronto Marlies lose in regulation.
JJ Peterka recorded a hat trick for the Amerks while Jack Quinn, Sean Malone, Josh Teves, Linus Weissbach and Brandon Biro also scored. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made five saves before leaving the game with an injury. Aaron Dell turned aside 23-of-24 shots in relief.
Chase De Leo scored Utica’s lone goal while Nico Daws and Akira Schmid combined for 27 saves.
Rochester finished 1-for-3 on the power play and a perfect 1-for-1 on the penalty kill.
If the Amerks get help from the Marlies and clinch a playoff spot, it will be their first time in the playoffs since the 2018-19 season.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].