Special Teams Inefficiency Undermines Rochester in 2-1 Loss to Cleveland

Special Teams Inefficiency Undermines Rochester in 2–1 Loss to Cleveland

By Christopher Drummond

ROCHESTER, N.Y--

The Rochester Americans were unable to secure consecutive home victories, falling 2–1 to the Cleveland Monsters on Saturday evening. This result marked Rochester’s third loss in five meetings against Cleveland during the current season and highlighted the decisive role of special teams in closely contested games.

Despite holding a significant advantage in shot attempts (31–20), Rochester failed to capitalize on six power-play opportunities, including a critical five-on-three advantage that went unconverted. The inability to generate offense with the man advantage proved to be a determining factor in the outcome.

The opening period was largely uneventful, characterized by limited offensive execution from both teams. Each side recorded seven shots on goal, and neither was able to establish sustained pressure or score, resulting in a scoreless tie after the first 20 minutes. Although the scoreboard remained unchanged, Cleveland dictated much of the tempo through effective forechecking and transitional speed, limiting Rochester’s ability to generate clean breakouts.

Physicality escalated in the second period as both teams engaged in multiple altercations, leading to a high volume of penalty minutes, including matching five-minute penalties. Just over one minute into the period, Cleveland broke the deadlock with a breakaway goal, ending Rochester goaltender Devon Levi’s shutout streak of more than 80 minutes of play. The Americans faced additional challenges when Ryan Johnson was assessed a slashing penalty, placing further strain on the team.

Rochester’s penalty kill remained a notable strength, extending its streak of successful kills to 14 consecutive opportunities without conceding a power-play goal. However, this defensive efficiency was offset by continued struggles on the power play. Through the first 27 minutes of play, the Americans recorded only eight shots on goal, matching that total in the final 13 minutes of the period as offensive urgency increased. Despite improved aggressiveness, Rochester was unable to convert chances, entering the third period trailing 1–0.

The Americans opened the final period with heightened energy and offensive pressure but were again denied by Cleveland’s defensive structure and goaltending. In an effort to equalize, Rochester pulled Levi for an extra attacker late in regulation. This decision ultimately resulted in an empty-net goal by Cleveland, extending the lead to 2–0 and effectively sealing the contest. Rochester avoided a shutout when Carson Meyer scored late in the period, registering his fifth goal of the season.

This matchup marked the fourth of five meetings between the teams in which the margin of victory was a single goal, underscoring the competitive balance of the series. Head coach Michael Leone emphasized the significance of execution in key moments.

“That’s a really good point—it usually comes down to one or two plays, and special teams are really important,” Leone said. “We had a five-on-three power play for 49 seconds, and we just couldn’t capitalize on it. It was a good hockey game for us. It’s tough because you feel like so many guys worked so hard, but I told the guys that I was proud of them.”

Leone also addressed the team’s recent power-play performance, noting that overall season metrics remain strong.

“If you look at our power play in the league, I believe we’re top five,” Leone said. “It’s not about how many power plays you get, but making the crucial ones count at key moments. The guys have been great all year, but unfortunately, we didn’t execute when it mattered.”

Additionally, Leone commented on the team’s roster move earlier in the day, which saw Rochester acquire defenseman Gavin Bayreuther from the Carolina Hurricanes while parting ways with Viktor Neuchek.

“I just want to say best of luck to Viktor—I enjoyed his time here,” Leone said. “We did a lot of homework on Gavin, both as a player and as a person. I think he’s going to be good for our group and our locker room.”

The Rochester Americans return to home ice on Wednesday, January 28, when they host the Hershey Bears. The teams have met once previously this season, with Hershey earning a 2–1 victory. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.