As the calendar flips to January, the Rochester Americans (21-9-3-0) have firmly established themselves as one of the AHL’s most dominant teams. Riding a six-game winning streak, the Amerks return to Blue Cross Arena tonight to face their intrastate rival, the struggling Utica Comets (8-17-2-2), in what promises to be an intense North Division showdown.
This marks the eighth of 12 meetings between these teams this season, with Rochester claiming victory in six of the previous seven matchups. A win tonight would further solidify their dominance over the Comets and help maintain their spot atop the division standings.
A Season of Momentum
The Amerks enter tonight’s game in peak form, having swept their last two opponents and dominated on the road. They’ve won an impressive eight straight away games, outscoring opponents 38-16 in that span. Rochester’s success isn’t limited to their travels; their play at home remains equally formidable, and tonight’s game kicks off a stretch of four January home contests.
This red-hot form is fueled by a balanced attack and stellar goaltending. Devon Levi, recently named an AHL All-Star, has been a cornerstone in net, boasting an 11-2-1 record, a 2.19 goals-against average, and a .914 save percentage. His dominance against Utica this season is well-documented, with two wins and only five goals allowed in three appearances.
Welcome Back, Helenius and Wahlberg
Two key reinforcements join the Amerks tonight, as forwards Anton Wahlberg and Konsta Helenius return from the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. The duo played pivotal roles for their respective national teams, with Helenius earning a silver medal with Finland and Wahlberg contributing eight points for Sweden.
In Rochester, both rookies have been essential contributors. Helenius leads all Amerks rookies with 17 points (6+11), while Wahlberg has chipped in 10 points (4+6) in 25 games. Their return adds another layer of depth to an already potent lineup.
A Tale of Two Teams
Tonight’s matchup pits the best against the worst in the North Division. The Amerks’ 45 standings points place them among the league’s elite, while the Comets sit at the bottom with just 20 points. Despite their struggles, Utica showed flashes of resilience earlier this week, snapping Syracuse’s five-game point streak with a commanding 5-1 win.
Simon Nemec, one of Utica’s bright spots, had a three-point performance in that game, while Isaac Poulter stood tall in net. The Comets’ power play, ranked sixth in the AHL, remains their strongest asset and could pose a challenge for Rochester’s penalty kill unit.
Players to Watch
- Brett Murray: The veteran forward leads the Amerks with 16 goals, nine of which have come on the power play. Murray has been on a tear, recording points in eight of his last nine games and goals in three straight. He’s also on the verge of a significant milestone, needing just eight more games to become the 24th forward in franchise history to play 300 games with Rochester.
- Isak Rosen: Another All-Star selection, Rosén has been a consistent offensive force, leading the team with 27 points (13+14) in 30 games. He’s also the Amerks’ top scorer against Utica this season with seven points in six games.
- Devon Levi: With a perfect 7-0-0 road record this season and multiple shutouts to his name, Levi’s presence in goal continues to be a game-changer.
Keys to the Game
- Start Strong: Rochester has been dominant when setting the tone early. Scoring first and controlling the pace will be critical against a Utica team desperate to prove itself.
- Special Teams Efficiency: The Amerks’ power play has been electric, and their penalty kill will need to neutralize Utica’s top-six-ranked unit.
- Levi’s Leadership: With his calm presence and ability to steal games, Levi’s performance will be pivotal in keeping the Comets’ offense in check.
What’s at Stake
For Rochester, tonight’s game is an opportunity to extend their win streak to seven and continue their push for a division title. For Utica, it’s a chance to salvage pride in a difficult season. The stakes are high, and the rivalry adds an extra layer of intensity to this critical matchup.
Puck drop is set for 7:05 PM, and fans can catch all the action live on The Sports Leader 95.7 FM/950 AM The Fan Rochester, AHLTV on FloHockey, or locally on CW Rochester.