Amerks Fall to Rocket 3-2 in Overtime, Drop Third Straight

Rochester Amerks Center Matteo Constantini getting ready for a faceoff in Friday night action versus Laval Rocket

By Christopher Drummond

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Americans dropped their third straight game Friday night, falling 3-2 in overtime to the Laval Rocket in a physical, playoff-style contest.

Laval improved its edge in the season series to 3-2. The teams will meet three more times over the next two weeks.

After a tightly contested opening period, Laval broke through on a slap shot from Tobie Bisson that rang in off the crossbar for his second goal of the season.

Rochester answered minutes later on the power play. Carson Meyer netted his 11th goal of the season to tie it 1-1, finishing a sequence assisted by Zach Metsa and Anton Wahlberg. The assist was Wahlberg’s 19th of the season and Metsa’s 12th.

Laval regained the lead late in the first period when Luke Tuch scored his eighth goal of the season. Rochester outshot Laval 11-8 in the period but trailed 2-1 entering intermission.

The second period featured escalating physical play, scrums and penalties, though neither team scored. Laval controlled the shot advantage, 21-8, and carried its one-goal lead into the third.

“They’re pricks,” Rochester defenseman Jagger Joshua said of the Rocket. “It’s always easier to get up for a team when they’re looking for the battle. These games are going to be more chippy. That’s what the playoffs are all about, and we have to be ready for it.”

Joshua helped set the tone with his physical presence throughout the middle frame.

“This is the way that I am wired, and I am always going to be physical,” Joshua said. “Maybe there are some dull moments during the game and the crowd is flat, so I like to stir it up, get my teammates going as well. Honestly, that is just me and the way I play.”

Rochester pulled even midway through the third period when Isak Rosen scored his team-leading 25th goal of the season. Gavin Beyreuther and Konsta Helenius recorded assists, their 14th and 26th, respectively.

Goaltender Devon Levi made a series of key saves to keep Rochester within striking distance and force overtime as both teams pressed in the final minutes of regulation.

In overtime, Marc Del Gaizo scored his seventh goal of the season on a breakaway with three minutes remaining, beating Levi high on the right side to seal the win.

Rochester coach Michael Leone said the matchup served as a measuring stick.

"This is a good measuring stick for us,” Leone said. “The last two games we have played against some of the best teams in the league. It’s tough when you lose, but I like our fight. It is good to see where we’re at against two of the better rosters in the league."

Leone also pointed to the growing intensity between the teams.

“I think the guys get up for these games,” he said. “This is kind of a rivalry in our division. These games between us are chippy, scrums after whistles, and have a playoff-type intensity. It is good, just didn’t get the win tonight.”

Rochester returns to action Wednesday on the road against the Cleveland Monsters. The Americans’ next home game is Friday, Feb. 27, when they host Laval. Puck drop for both games is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.