The Rochester Americans avoided elimination Friday night with an 8-5 victory over the Syracuse Crunch in Game 3 of the Calder Cup Playoffs at the Blue Cross Arena.
Rochester led 3-2 entering the final 20 minutes, but then the two teams traded goals in what was a wild third period before the Amerks sealed the win with a pair of empty netters.
Captain Michael Mersch netted a hat trick to lead the Amerks’ offense, while Malcolm Subban stopped 23 shots. Sean Malone, Isak Rosen, Jiri Kulich, Mason Jobst, and Brett Murray also potted goals.
Simon Ryfors scored a hat trick for the Crunch, while Max Lagace turned aside 19 shots. Alex Barré-Boulet and Gage Goncalves added goals as well.
Game 4 will take place Sunday at 3:05 p.m. A win for the Amerks would force a winner-take-all Game 5 next weekend in Syracuse.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].