The Rochester Americans (18-9-3-0) are proving to be a team that thrives under pressure. In a thrilling comeback performance on Friday night at Blue Cross Arena, the Amerks erased two-goal deficits not once but twice, unleashing a third-period blitz to power past the Utica Comets (6-15-1-2) with a decisive 6-3 victory.
The win extends Rochester’s dominance in the AHL North Division, cementing sole possession of first place as the Amerks continue to ride a red-hot stretch—winning 10 of their last 12 contests and earning points in 20 of their last 26 games since October 23.
The script couldn’t have started more unfavorably for Rochester. Utica jumped out to an early 2-0 lead less than three minutes into the game, capitalizing on their first three shots. Ryan Schmelzer redirected a shot just 1:44 into the action, followed swiftly by Simon Nemec converting a shorthanded rebound.
Despite the deficit, the Amerks controlled much of the pace, outshooting Utica 9-8 in the opening frame but failing to capitalize on two early power plays.
Turning the Tide
The second period opened with urgency from Rochester, as Isak Rosén wasted no time cutting into the lead. Just 71 seconds into the frame, Rosén picked off a pass along the boards, circling to the high slot before firing a shot that ricocheted off a Comet defender and past Nico Daws for his 13th goal of the season.
Nemec struck again moments later to restore Utica’s cushion, but the Amerks refused to fold. Riley Fiddler-Schultz sparked the comeback engine late in the period, jamming home a loose puck with 1:53 remaining to bring Rochester within one heading into the final 20 minutes.
Third Period Blitz
Rochester’s relentless attack continued to overwhelm Utica in the third. Fiddler-Schultz struck again less than two minutes in, pouncing on Ethan Prow’s rebound to knot the game at 3-3.
The go-ahead goal came just three minutes later, courtesy of Viktor Neuchev. Lukas Rousek set the play in motion, winning a puck battle behind the net and centering to Neuchev, who rifled a shot past Daws to give the Amerks their first lead of the night at 4:54.
As Utica scrambled for answers, Graham Slaggert delivered the dagger with a highlight-reel shorthanded tally. Racing down the ice on a two-on-one break, Slaggert snapped a shot over Daws’ shoulder, netting his league-leading fourth shorthanded goal of the season.
Brett Murray sealed the win with an empty-net goal, his team-best 14th of the campaign, capping a furious four-goal third period that left the Comets reeling.
Star Performances
Fiddler-Schultz’s two-goal outing marked his first multi-goal effort in the AHL, while Rosén, Prow, Ty Tullio, and Ethan Prow each registered multi-point performances. Goaltender Devon Levi, celebrating his 23rd birthday, turned aside 23 shots to earn his 10th win of the season. Levi is now 9-1-0 in his last 10 starts, reinforcing his role as Rochester’s backbone in net.
Special Teams and Defensive Stand
While neither team capitalized on the power play—Rochester went 0-for-4 and Utica 0-for-2—the Amerks’ penalty kill remained perfect, shutting down all four Comets opportunities. Slaggert’s shorthanded marker underlined the Amerks’ ability to not only defend but strike fear into opponents while down a man.
Looking Ahead
The Amerks head east for the back end of the home-and-home series against Utica on Saturday, December 28, at Adirondack Bank Center. Rochester will aim to complete the sweep and continue their surge atop the North Division standings.
Three Stars of the Game
- Riley Fiddler-Schultz – ROC – 2 goals, game-tying goal in 3rd
- Isak Rosén – ROC – 1 goal, 1 assist, momentum-shifting tally
- Ty Tullio – ROC – 2 assists, catalyst in key scoring plays
The Amerks’ resiliency and firepower continue to separate them from the pack, with Friday night’s victory serving as yet another testament to the depth and tenacity of this North Division powerhouse.
