The Rochester Americans will try to end a two-game losing streak Saturday, Nov. 14, when they host the North Division-leading Laval Rocket for a 5:05 p.m. rematch at Blue Cross Arena.
Rochester enters at 7-6-0-1 after surrendering three third-period goals in Friday’s 3-1 loss to Laval. The Rocket have won four straight, outscoring opponents 18-5 during that stretch, and have 25 points through 16 games, according to the Amerks’ official preview.
Rochester looks for more offense
The Amerks have scored one goal in each of their last two games. Before those losses, they had been held below two goals only once this season, on Oct. 10 at Utica.
Friday’s game remained scoreless through an opening period in which Laval outshot Rochester 14-3. The Amerks generated more offensive pressure in the second, with three power-play opportunities helping shift play toward the Rocket’s end.
Vsevolod Komarov scored his first goal of the season midway through the second period, sending a shot through traffic past Kevin Mandolese shortly after a Laval penalty expired. Carson Meyer and Riley Fiddler-Schultz assisted on the even-strength goal.
Rochester’s 1-0 lead disappeared in the third as Laval scored off a turnover, added Samuel Poulin’s go-ahead power-play goal and finished with an empty-netter. The result ended the Amerks’ three-game home winning streak and gave the Rocket seven consecutive victories in the teams’ meetings dating to last season.
Special teams remain a concern for Rochester. After going 6-for-12 on the power play during a three-game winning streak, the Amerks are 0-for-11 over their two subsequent losses. They failed to convert six opportunities Friday, including a brief five-on-three advantage.
Military recognition and ticket offer
Saturday’s game is Rochester’s first Saturday home contest of the season and includes military appreciation activities presented by NBT Bank in support of Veterans Outreach Center.
Eligible U.S. veterans, retired and active-duty military members, reservists and National Guard members can receive one complimentary ticket. Tickets are available at Veterans Outreach Center, 447 South Ave. in downtown Rochester, or at the arena box office.
The first 1,500 fans will receive miniature handheld U.S. flags, and 2,000 Amerks embroidered canvas keychains will also be distributed at entry.
The Amerks will wear U.S. Air Force-inspired jerseys and matching socks, with the design drawing on Rochester’s connection to the P-40 Warhawk. The game-worn jerseys are being auctioned through DASH to benefit Veterans Outreach Center.
Bidding closes at 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, and winners will be contacted directly. Fans can access the auction at amerks.com/auction or text DASH to 66866 for an app download link, then create a profile and select the Amerks to bid.
Pregame coverage begins at 5 p.m. on WGR Rochester and AHLTV on FloHockey, five minutes before puck drop.
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