The Rochester Americans (14-8-3-0) are poised to wrap up their season-long five-game road trip with a crucial matchup against the Belleville Senators (12-5-0-4) tonight at CAA Arena. After halting Belleville’s five-game win streak with a commanding 7-4 victory Friday, the Amerks will aim to carry that momentum into the final meeting of this back-to-back set.
A Season Series to Watch
Tonight’s game marks these North Division rivals’ third of eight clashes this season. The season series began on October 11, when Belleville edged out a 3-2 win in Rochester. However, the Amerks responded emphatically Friday night, notching seven goals in a dynamic road effort to even the series. Following tonight, these teams won’t face each other again until February, adding extra weight to this early-season matchup.
Historically, Rochester has posted a 19-23-2 all-time record against Belleville, a team that joined the AHL in the 2017-18 season. While the Senators hold a slight edge in the rivalry, Rochester’s ability to secure points in 16 of its last 21 games dating back to October 23, coupled with its league-second 10 road wins, sets the stage for an intense contest.
Key Matchup Insights
Rochester and Belleville share a penchant for quick starts, with both teams finding consistent success in the first period. Last season, Rochester led the league with 82 opening-period goals, while Belleville managed the fourth-fewest with just 54. However, Belleville has turned that around this season with a potent offense led by standout contributors.
For the Amerks, road dominance has been a cornerstone of their success. Rochester has outscored opponents 45-23 on the road this season, translating to a stellar 10-3-1-0 record away from Blue Cross Arena. Belleville, though, boasts an impressive 8-1-0-2 home record, making tonight’s clash a battle between two strongholds.
Last Night’s Offensive Showcase
Friday’s game showcased Rochester’s scoring depth, with more than a dozen players recording points. Brett Murray led the charge with two goals, while Lukas Rousek, Isak Rosén, and Tyson Kozak each added multi-point efforts. Rookie standout Konsta Helenius contributed two assists, earning a +3 rating in the process.
Devon Levi, in goal, continued his brilliant stretch with 27 saves, extending his personal win streak to six games. Levi’s calm, collected presence has been pivotal, as he’s posted a .938 save percentage and a 1.48 goals-against average over that span. Despite conceding two goals Friday, his ability to neutralize Belleville’s power play will be critical tonight.
Belleville’s Offensive Leaders
Belleville counters with a dangerous offense led by Angus Crookshank, who tied Murray atop the AHL leaderboard with seven power-play goals after netting two on Friday. Stephen Halliday extended his point streak to seven games with three assists, bringing his total to nine points over that stretch.
Former Amerks defenseman Jeremy Davies has been a key playmaker for the Senators, with 17 points (2+15) in 21 games. Familiar to Rochester fans, Davies led the Amerks’ blueliners in scoring last season with a career-high 35 points before joining Belleville in the offseason. Alongside veteran goaltender Malcolm Subban, another former Amerk who helped Rochester to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2023, Davies adds a layer of intrigue to this matchup.
Special Teams in Focus
Special teams will play a decisive role in tonight’s outcome. Belleville ranks 17th in the league on the power play (19.1%), while Rochester lags at 15.0% (T-26th). On the penalty kill, the Amerks hold a slight edge with an 82.1% success rate (10th in the AHL), compared to Belleville’s 81.4% (15th).
Friday’s game reinforced Belleville’s power-play prowess, with Crookshank’s two goals coming on the man advantage. However, Rochester’s ability to convert in all situations—including shorthanded and empty-net tallies—showcases their versatility and determination to capitalize on momentum shifts.
Players to Watch
- Devon Levi (Rochester): Sporting a 7-1-1 record with a 2.08 GAA and a .916 save percentage, Levi is the backbone of the Amerks’ success. His ability to stifle Belleville’s high-octane attack will be crucial.
- Brett Murray (Rochester): With nine goals on the season, including seven on the power play, Murray is a focal point for Rochester’s offense. His net-front presence is a consistent threat, especially in tight games.
- Konsta Helenius (Rochester): The rookie sensation has 14 points (6+8) and is finding his stride after a mid-November slump. His creativity and composure on the puck make him a key asset in high-pressure moments.
- Angus Crookshank (Belleville): The Senators’ sharpshooter leads the team with 12 goals and remains a constant threat, particularly on the power play.
- Jeremy Davies (Belleville): The former Amerk has seamlessly transitioned to Belleville’s system, ranking second on the team in scoring with 17 points. His familiarity with Rochester’s tendencies could prove valuable for Belleville.
Milestones and Momentum
Friday’s game saw Ethan Prow celebrate his 200th appearance as an Amerk, joining an elite group of defensemen in franchise history. Captain Mason Jobst, meanwhile, played his 250th career AHL game, notching an assist to end a six-game point drought. These milestones, paired with strong performances from rising stars like Tyson Kozak and Zachary Metsa, highlight Rochester’s balance of experience and youth.
The Final Word
With playoff positioning in the North Division heating up, tonight’s game is a critical opportunity for Rochester to solidify its standing. The Amerks’ ability to dictate the pace and maintain defensive discipline will be key against a Belleville team hungry for redemption. Tune in to AHLTV or The Fan Rochester for what promises to be an electrifying matchup at 7:00 PM.