The Rochester Americans return to the ice Saturday evening, seeking to extend their winning streak to six games as they visit Total Mortgage Arena to take on the Bridgeport Islanders. Riding high with a 20-9-3-0 record, the Amerks are among the AHL’s hottest teams, surging to the top of the North Division with 43 points. Rochester’s seven consecutive road victories solidify their status as the league’s best team away from home this season.
Bridgeport, on the other hand, enters the matchup with a 7-19-2-2 record, having endured a challenging campaign. The Islanders sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, having allowed a conference-high 118 goals. However, they’ll look to build on their offensive explosion in last week’s 7-5 win over Springfield, hoping home ice can help tilt the scales against a formidable Rochester squad.
Amerks in Command
Rochester boasts 14 wins on the road this season – tied for most in the AHL – and only three points separate them from league-leading Cleveland and Toronto. With points in 12 of their last 14 games, the Amerks have consistently found ways to win, thanks to standout performances from key players.
Goaltending has been a cornerstone of Rochester’s success. Devon Levi, fresh off a 33-save performance in Friday’s 5-2 win over Springfield, has been lights out with an 11-2-1 record, a 2.19 goals-against average, and a .914 save percentage. However, with Levi starting last night, Rochester may turn to Michael Houser or Felix Sandstrom for tonight’s matchup. Houser holds a 4-3-1 record, while Sandström has been steady in limited appearances with a 2.68 GAA.
Offensively, Brett Murray continues to shine with 15 goals, tying for sixth in the league. His nine power-play goals lead all AHL skaters, providing a spark to Rochester’s special teams unit. Isak Rosén paces the team in scoring with 27 points, while Zachary Metsa anchors the blue line with 23 points – third among AHL defensemen.
Fiddler-Schultz Catching Fire
Riley Fiddler-Schultz has emerged as a critical offensive weapon, tallying two goals in Friday’s contest to push his season total to seven. After a slow start, the forward has caught fire, notching points in five straight road games. Fiddler-Schultz’s physical play and knack for finding the net have provided much-needed depth to the Amerks’ attack.
Metsa, meanwhile, continues to rack up assists. His three-assist outing against Springfield marked the second time in his career he’s reached that milestone, bringing his total to 21 helpers on the season. Metsa’s recent surge has helped the Amerks power play climb to 15.4%, while their penalty kill remains among the league’s best at 83.8%.
Bridgeport’s Uphill Battle
Despite their struggles, the Islanders showed flashes of potential in last Saturday’s win over Springfield. Matt Maggio’s four-point night, coupled with two goals from Liam Foudy, powered Bridgeport to their highest goal total of the season. However, defensive inconsistencies continue to plague the Islanders, and their penalty kill ranks 28th at 73.2%.
Forward Brian Pinho leads the team with 24 points, including 15 goals, while Chris Terry and Alex Jefferies round out Bridgeport’s top scoring threats. The Islanders’ netminding situation remains fluid, with Marcus Hogberg and Jakub Skarek sharing duties. Högberg holds a 2-5-3 record with a 3.26 GAA.
Head-to-Head History
Saturday’s matchup marks the 23rd all-time meeting between the two franchises. Rochester holds the upper hand, earning points in 13 of the last 14 encounters, including eight wins. The Amerks have outscored Bridgeport 14-7 over the last four meetings.
Last season, the two teams split their series, with each winning in the other’s building. The Islanders edged Rochester 4-3 in overtime during the season opener, while the Amerks claimed a 5-4 shootout victory in April. Notably, 11 of the last 18 matchups have been decided beyond regulation.
Keys to the Game
- Special Teams Battle: Rochester’s penalty kill could be a difference-maker against Bridgeport’s struggling power play. The Amerks’ ability to capitalize with the man advantage will also be crucial, with Brett Murray’s presence around the net a constant threat.
- Goaltender Rotation: With Levi coming off a strong performance last night, Michael Houser or Felix Sandstrom could get the nod tonight. Both will need to stay sharp against an Islanders team that can strike in transition.
- Amerks’ Depth: Contributions from Fiddler-Schultz, Brendan Warren, and Lukas Rousek will alleviate pressure from Murray and Rosén, ensuring the Amerks maintain offensive balance.
Puck drop is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action live on AHLTV or tune into the radio broadcast on The Fan Rochester.