By CRAIG POTTER
Rochester outshoots the Crunch, 38-18, but falls 1-0.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – In what may be a preview of Round 1 of the upcoming Calder Cup playoffs, the Syracuse Crunch shut out the Rochester Americans, 1-0, on Wednesday night before 4,090 fans at the Blue Cross Arena.
The Amerks outshot the Crunch, 38-18, but Syracuse goalie Connor Ingram turned aside every one, including a breakaway by team captain Kevin Porter. The hosts also missed a couple of open nets.
“We had a lot of good chances tonight,” said Amerks head coach Chris Taylor. “I think we had close to 75 shots attempts, which is really good for us. I really liked our chances. We had some good opportunities but were not able to capitalize on those chances and they were able to score on the chance they had.”
Rochester also went 0-for-6 on the power play, including a 5-on-3 advantage for 1:01 in the first period.
“I think we played a pretty solid game,” said defenseman Casey Nelson, who returned to the Amerks lineup after spending nearly three months with the Buffalo Sabres. “We had a lot of chances but give them credit, they play a fast game and they took advantage of their opportunity.
“While we unfortunately did not score, I think we played well. We just have to put pucks behind their defensemen and get bodies to the net.”
The Crunch scored in the third period when Matthew Peca was parked on the open right side to Linus Ullmark and ripped the puck in for the lone goal of the game.
Ullmark, who was making his first start since sustaining an injury while on recall to the Sabres, made 17 saves, several of the spectacular variety to keep his team in the game.
The game had a playoff atmosphere.
“I’m sure everyone in the building could feel that,” Nelson said.
Ullmark added “I may not look like I’m excited, but inside I’m very happy and very excited about it.”
The Amerks play their final regular season home game on Friday against the Belleville Senators at 7:05 pm on Fan Appreciation Night.
Links
Rochester Americans – amerks.com
Videos
Sahir Gill open net shot – https://youtu.be/Ok9pe8ilRDU
Linus Ullmark SH save – https://youtu.be/4ViqOsz-rnY
Sean Malone shot – https://youtu.be/F43ewZfNaDo