As the Rochester Americans (22-10-3-0) gear up for their busiest weekend of the season, the action begins with a Friday night showdown at Blue Cross Arena against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (18-14-5-1). This marks the first of a back-to-back series, with Saturday’s rematch set to take place at PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Both teams are looking to capitalize on momentum as they navigate the North Division’s tightly contested standings.
The Battle of Momentum Swings
Rochester enters the matchup coming off a rare setback—a 6-2 road loss to Syracuse that snapped their season-long seven-game win streak. It also marked the end of an impressive eight-game road winning streak, tying a franchise record set in the late 1990s. Goaltender Devon Levi’s remarkable five-game personal win streak also came to an end, despite his consistent dominance in net this season.
For the Phantoms, the recent form has been promising. They picked up their fifth win in seven games Wednesday night by edging the Belleville Senators 3-2. Former Buffalo Sabres draft pick Cal Petersen backstopped Lehigh Valley with a solid 24-save performance, while Anthony Richard provided the game-winner midway through the third period.
Spotlight on Familiar Faces
A compelling subplot in this series is Felix Sandstrom, a former Phantom now playing for Rochester. Drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2015, Sandström spent six professional seasons in Lehigh Valley, amassing a 39-29-13 record. He’s poised to hit a career milestone this weekend with his 100th AHL appearance. Though Devon Levi will get the start Friday night, all eyes will be on Sandström when he faces his former team on Saturday.
On the offensive front, the Amerks will rely on the veteran leadership of Brett Murray, who continues to lead the team in scoring with 27 points. Murray’s impact has been especially potent on the power play, where six of his 11 goals this season have come. Complementing Murray is rookie Isak Rosen, whose speed and scoring touch make him a constant threat. Together, they’ll look to exploit a Lehigh Valley penalty kill that ranks 16th in the AHL.
Playing with an Edge
Lehigh Valley’s identity under head coach Ian Laperriere mirrors his gritty playing career. The Phantoms rank second in the league in penalty minutes, led by captain Garrett Wilson, who has 75 PIMs on the season. However, the Phantoms’ physical style comes with a downside: their penalty kill sits near the bottom of the league. Rochester’s 20th-ranked power play will need to seize these opportunities to tip the balance in their favor.
Young Stars and Local Talent
This series also features intriguing young talent and local connections. Hunter McDonald, a Fairport native and rookie defenseman for the Phantoms, has been a steady presence on the blue line. Meanwhile, Devon Levi continues to shine for Rochester, with his 12-3-1 record and .919 save percentage ranking among the league’s elite. Levi’s ability to handle high-pressure moments has been a cornerstone of the Amerks’ success this season.
Keys to the Game
For Rochester, staying disciplined will be critical. With Lehigh Valley’s penchant for penalties, avoiding retaliation and focusing on special teams will be essential. Additionally, the Amerks need to dictate the pace of play, using their speed to exploit gaps in the Phantoms’ defense. The tandem of Levi and Sandström in net provides a significant edge, but maintaining composure in high-pressure situations will be key.
As the Amerks take the ice for the first of three games in three nights, the stakes are high. With the North Division standings tightening, every point matters. For Rochester, this weekend represents both a test of endurance and an opportunity to solidify their status as one of the AHL’s premier teams.