The Rochester Americans extended their point streak on home ice to four games on Friday night at Blue Cross Arena but ultimately fell 3-2 in a thrilling shootout against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. An energetic crowd of 7,322 witnessed a back-and-forth showdown that showcased timely scoring, stellar goaltending, and a dramatic conclusion in the skills competition.
First Period: Phantoms Set the Pace
Lehigh Valley found the net first midway through the opening frame. An unmarked forward capitalized on a slick feed and snapped a shot just inside the post to put the visitors up 1-0. Despite surrendering the early advantage, Rochester applied persistent pressure and generated solid chances throughout the period. However, Phantoms goaltender Michael Gahagen stood tall in net, keeping the Amerks off the board with a handful of impressive saves.
Second Period: Defense Takes Over
The middle frame was a display of disciplined team defense on both sides, punctuated by strong positioning and quick backchecks. Although Rochester drew multiple power-play opportunities, they were unable to convert, with Lehigh Valley’s penalty-killing unit effectively neutralizing the Amerks’ zone time. Rochester responded in kind at the other end, denying the Phantoms’ rushes and preventing second-chance rebounds around the crease.
Third Period: Rochester Rallies
Momentum flipped early in the final period, thanks in part to the continued offensive surge from Josh Dunne. He buried his sixth goal of the season to even the score, extending his personal hot streak to five consecutive games with a point. The crowd erupted when Dunne pounced on a loose puck and wristed it past Gahagen to level the contest at 1-1.
Lehigh Valley struck again moments later with a short-handed tally, capitalizing on a misplay at the point. That setback seemed to light an extra spark under Rochester’s top line. With just under a minute left, Brett Murray delivered his 17th goal of the season, knotting the game at 2-2. The power forward’s marker forced overtime and continued his scorching run of 10 goals over his last 12 appearances. Murray’s penchant for late-game heroics has become an integral part of the Amerks’ success this season.
Overtime & Shootout: Heart-Stopping Finish
The overtime period showcased end-to-end action, highlighted by transitional rushes and clutch saves from both netminders. Rochester netminder Devon Levi kept the game alive with key stops, while Gahagen matched him save for save. Neither side broke through in the extra frame, setting the stage for a shootout duel.
In the skills competition, the Phantoms prevailed, netting two crucial attempts. Rochester managed one successful conversion but came up short in the final round, sealing Lehigh Valley’s 3-2 shootout decision.
Standouts on the Scoresheet
Josh Dunne continued his impressive point streak (now at five games), contributing another key tally that swung momentum in Rochester’s favor during the third period.
Brett Murray powered home his team-leading 17th goal, maintaining a remarkable scoring pace. His presence around the blue paint and knack for finding open lanes has elevated the Amerks’ offense all season.
Noah Ostlund, Riley Fiddler-Schultz, Lukas Rousek, and Jack Rathbone each registered helpers, adding to a collective scoring effort. Ostlund and Fiddler-Schultz have been particularly steady contributors of late, while Rousek and Rathbone continue to provide playmaking spark from the blue line and on the rush.
In goal, Devon Levi absorbed his first shootout loss at the AHL level, turning aside 30 shots in regulation and overtime. Despite the shootout outcome, Levi remains a key part of Rochester’s recent success. On the other bench, Michael Gahagen backstopped Lehigh Valley with 30 saves of his own, frustrating Rochester’s scorers throughout the evening.
By the Numbers
Shots on Goal: Lehigh Valley 33, Rochester 32
Power Plays: Lehigh Valley (0/3), Rochester (0/5)
Goaltender Saves: Gahagen 30, Levi 30
Looking Ahead
The Amerks will embark on a quick road swing, facing the Phantoms again on Saturday, January 18, at PPL Center in Allentown. Rochester squares off against the Hershey Bears the following day in a late-afternoon contest. The team returns home for a well-earned break on Monday, January 20.
With a home point streak still intact and several top performers finding their stride, the Rochester Americans remain in a solid position heading into this important stretch. While Friday’s shootout loss provided a reminder of the razor-thin margins in the American Hockey League, the Amerks’ resilience and late-game tenacity bode well for the challenges ahead.
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