By CRAIG POTTER
Rochester comes out strong but 2 power play goals by the Penguins prove costly.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Americans battled hard in the first period, outshooting the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, 14-6, but still found themselves on the short end of a 2-1 score.
The visitors from the Keystone State went on to notch a 3-2 triumph on Friday night before 5,644 fans at the Blue Cross Arena.
Amerks rookie forward Daniel Muzito-Bagenda provided Rochester with a 1-0 lead over the American Hockey League’s winningest team thus far this season with 57 points with a 27-7-3-0 record.
“I think when we deal with younger players, their second half of the season is usually their stronger half,” said Amerks head coach Dan Lambert. “I believe that is the case with Daniel, as he is slowly starting to find his stride and we need him as well as other younger guys to bring it on a consistent basis.”
Jean Dupuy and Tyson Strachan received assists on the play.
Rochester dropped to 16-21-0-1 for 33 points with the loss.
The advantage last just about 5 minutes as the Penguins converted on a power play to tie the game. About 4 minutes later, the visitors took advantage of another power play to take a 2-1 lead.
WBS held the edge until Amerks team captain Cal O’Reilly tied the contest, 2-2, 5:38 into the third period also on a power play. Evan Rodrigues and Cole Schneider assisted on the play.
“I really liked our compete level as it was high along with our energy,” added Lambert, “but unfortunately our power-play was not there as it could not get us over the edge for the victory. While we did not get the win, it certainly is a game we can build off as we move forward.”
However, Stuart Percy’s shot deflected off defenseman Strachan and took a Friday the 13th change of direction past Amerks John Muse for the game-winner with 6:44 left in regulation.
The Amerks applied pressure to net the equalizer but Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry thwarted all shots.
Rochester travels north of the border in a return trip to Toronto to take on the Marlies at 5 pm on Saturday.
*NOTES — Goalie John Muse started his third consecutive game for the first time since April 9-14 last season as a member of the Charlotte Checkers…WBS assistant coach Chris Taylor made his first trip back to Rochester since leaving the Amerks organization at the end of last season. Taylor spent a total of 14 seasons with the Amerks, including the last 5 as an assistant coach. As a player, Taylor spent 9 seasons as an Amerk, where he was a 3-time team MVP. He was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame in 2015…WBS forward Kevin Porter and defenseman Chad Ruhwedel also spent time in Rochester. The pair, slong with Taylor, were with the Amerks during the 2013-14 campaign. Ruhwedel was scratched from Friday’s game…Cole Schneider continues to lead the Amerks in scoring and is currently third in the AHL with 36 points (15+21) through 32 games…Team captain Cal O’Reilly is the team leader, and ranks second in the AHL, in assists with 26.
Links
Rochester Americans – amerks.com
Videos
Daniel Muzito-Bagenda goal – https://youtu.be/JK48KcG-6Cs
Cal O’Reilly pp goal – https://youtu.be/qOtIMIA7JYM
Evan Rodrigues shot – https://youtu.be/y0jJSi09osA
Nick Baptiste hooked – https://youtu.be/nnwOhV5k8UE
Cal O’Reilly interview – https://youtu.be/7hGh9ujJ8Qo
Daniel Muzito-Bagenda interview – https://youtu.be/KNkaOK-IrSM
Coach Dan Lambert interview – https://youtu.be/6v34byxvj3g