Linus Ullmark makes 22 saves in shutting out the Toronto Marlies, 2-0.
TORONTO, ONT. — In an early showdown for first place in the North Division, the Rochester Americans shut out the Toronto Marlies, 2-0, before 6,818 fans at Ricoh Coliseum on Friday night.
Rochester (20-7-3-3) pulled ahead of Toronto (22-11) into sole possession of first place in the North Division with 46 points. The Marlies have 44 points as both teams have played 33 games.
Goalie Linus Ullmark recorded 22 saves in keeping the Marlies off the scoreboard.
Seth Griffith opened the scoring in the final minute of the first period with a power play goal for Rochester. Defensemen Zach Redmond and Stuart Percy each earned his 16th assist of the campaign on the play.
The contest remained that way until late in the third when Sahir Gill tallied his 10th goal of the season, off assists from Griffith and team captain Kevin Porter.
The victory also ties Rochester with Lehigh Valley for most points in the Eastern Conference.
The Amerks have posted points in 21 of their last 24 games and have collected 38 points since Nov. 1 during their surge to the top of the North Division and Eastern Conference standings.
Rochester remains the only team in league with one regulation loss while on the on road this season. The Amerks are 12-1-3-2 in their 18 games away from the Blue Cross Arena.
The Amerks return to the Blue Cross Arena Saturday to take on the Laval Rocket at 7:05 pm. It is their fourth meeting in the last 5 games.