Amerks Fall to Bears Again, 3-1, as Hershey Extends Winning Streak
- Chris Drummond
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
By Christopher Drummond
Photo by Chris Drummond
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Americans dropped their second straight contest to the Hershey Bears on Wednesday night, falling 3–1 at Blue Cross Arena. The loss marked Rochester’s sixth consecutive defeat to Hershey in the season series, with the two teams set to meet again Friday, Jan. 30, to continue the matchup.
Rochester’s struggles began early, echoing issues the team faced over the weekend. Despite earning two power-play opportunities in the opening period, the Amerks were unable to capitalize — and matters worsened when Hershey struck shorthanded. Grant Cruikshank scored midway through the period to give the Bears a 1–0 lead, netting his seventh goal of the season and extending his American Hockey League–leading total in shorthanded goals.
Although Rochester outshot Hershey 8–4 in the first period, the Amerks headed into the first intermission trailing for the second straight game.
Hershey wasted little time adding to its lead in the second period. Less than 30 seconds in, Justin Nachbaur found the back of the net for his second goal of the season, making it 2–0. The goal silenced the home crowd and left the Amerks searching for momentum.
Rochester found its spark midway through the period. After crisp puck movement from Carsom Meyer and Isak Rosen, Anton Wahlberg finished the play with a well-placed shot to cut the deficit to 2–1. The goal energized the Amerks and would be the final tally of the period.
Hershey outshot Rochester in the second, though the Amerks held a slim 16–15 advantage overall entering the third. Both starting goaltenders had turned aside 14 shots apiece.
Once again, the Bears struck early. Henrik Rybinski scored less than a minute into the third period for his fifth goal of the season, restoring Hershey’s two-goal cushion at 3–1. The goal proved decisive, as Rochester was unable to generate another breakthrough against a disciplined Bears defense.
After allowing just three goals total over two games last weekend, the Amerks surrendered three goals to Hershey for the second time this season.
Following the game, Rochester head coach Michael Leone reflected on the team’s effort and the impact of Hershey’s third goal.
“It was a big one,” Leone said. “The third one was tough because they didn’t have anyone around the net. I thought our group did a really good job of responding. I thought we had a lot of good shifts. Those types of goals take a lot of life out of the group, but I like how we continued to play hard.”
Leone also addressed the team’s margin for error and the message he plans to reinforce moving forward.
“It’s hard to lose a game when you see the team playing well,” Leone said. “It’s my job to make sure we don’t lose confidence. We’re still a good hockey team — we’re just going through it right now. It’s difficult, but it starts with me. It’s up to our staff to reinforce the positive and let them know that when you play five-on-five, the results will come. I believe in process over outcome.”
The Amerks will look for redemption when they host the Bears again on Friday in Game 4 of their six-game homestand. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.