Three third-period goals lifted the Rochester Americans to a 4-2 victory over the top-seeded Utica Comets in the winner-take-all Game 5 of their division semifinal series in Utica on Thursday night.
Casey Fitzerald, Arttu Ruotsalainen, Sean Malone, and Mark Jankowski scored for Rochester while Aaron Dell turned aside 19-of-21 shots.
Fabian Zetterlund and Alexander Holtz netted goals for Utica while Nico Daws stopped 24-of-27 shots.
The Amerks finished 1-for-2 on the power play and did not have to kill a penalty.
Rochester moves on to face the Laval Rocket in the North Division Finals, beginning Sunday evening at Place Bell in Laval. This will be the Amerks’ first appearance in the third round since 2004.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].