Physical Dominance and Defensive Efficiency Propel Rochester Amerks Past Hershey Bears
- Chris Drummond
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
By Christopher Drummond
ROCHESTER,N.Y.
The Rochester Americans responded decisively to recent defeats by securing a 3–1 victory over the Hershey Bears on Friday evening, emphasizing physical play, defensive discipline, and timely scoring. The win represented a reversal of the result from two nights earlier, underscoring Rochester’s ability to adapt strategically against a familiar opponent.
Anton Wahlberg played a central role in the outcome, recording a goal and an assist to extend his season totals to six goals and 15 assists. Sak Rosen contributed the game-winning goal early in the third period, marking his 20th goal of the season and the third consecutive year he has reached that milestone. Riley Fiddler-Schultz added an opening-period goal, his 11th of the season, while goaltender Devon Levi anchored the defensive effort with 22 saves.
Rochester entered the contest with a clear emphasis on physical engagement, an element that had been lacking in its previous two losses. Fiddler-Schultz highlighted this adjustment, noting that imposing physicality and winning puck battles were focal points in pregame preparation. This approach was evident from the
opening faceoff, as Rochester controlled play early and dictated the pace through sustained pressure.
"I think that was definitely an emphasis for us,' Fiddler-Schultz said. "Just trying to impose our will on the other team. That's really a strength of our team, being able to dominate checks and be physical on the floor like that. That was definitely a big focus going into tonight.
The Americans struck first in the opening period when a shot from Peter Tischke deflected to Fiddler-Schultz, who capitalized to give Rochester a 1–0 lead. Although Hershey generated multiple breakaway opportunities in the period, Levi consistently denied scoring chances. The Bears were also held scoreless on two power-play opportunities, while Rochester narrowly outshot Hershey 8–7 in the frame.
Hershey equalized early in the second period despite being shorthanded, as Aaron Ness scored from mid-ice on a snapshot assisted by Eriks Mateiko. The goal marked Ness’s second of the season and Mateiko’s sixth assist. The remainder of the period was characterized by heightened physicality and frequent stoppages, though neither team was able to establish momentum before the second intermission.
Rochester regained the lead early in the third period when Rosen converted a scoring opportunity assisted by Wahlberg and Olivier Nadeau. The contest remained tightly contested until a significant injury momentarily shifted focus, as Rochester center Red Savage exited the game following a collision that resulted in visible bleeding. Head coach Michael Leone declined to comment on Savage’s condition following the game.
Late-game circumstances further tested Rochester’s resolve. While killing a penalty, the Americans faced a six-on-four disadvantage after Hershey pulled its goaltender. Despite sustained offensive pressure from the Bears, Rochester’s defensive structure held, and Wahlberg sealed the victory with an empty-net goal in the final minutes.
Following the game, Coach Leone emphasized the team’s consistency and commitment, noting that the performance reflected habits developed over the previous several games. He also praised Rosen’s development, citing his progression toward becoming an everyday NHL-caliber player.
"I thought we got rewarded for the hockey we've played the last five or six games," Leone said. "We went people that come to watch us to play to say, we work, we relentless on the puck, got good habits and never put of a game. It was good to see us stay with it the entire game. With this group, when we get a lead, it gives us a lot of confidence. "
"We want him ( Rosen)to be an everyday NHL player, " Leone said."That's what he wants for himself. I think he's playing the best hockey he has played since ive been here. He is still learning but he is only going to get better."
The evening also featured a Hall of Fame ceremony honoring two former Rochester players. The Americans will continue their six-game homestand on February 4, when they host the Belleville Senators, with puck drop scheduled for 7:05 p.m.