The Rochester Americans (11-7-3-0) roll into Charlotte tonight riding a three-game win streak, looking to keep the momentum alive as they face the Charlotte Checkers (10-4-1-2) in the first of two back-to-back matchups at Bojangles Coliseum. This marks the first of four meetings between these teams during the 2024-25 AHL season. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM, with live coverage available on The Sports Leader 95.7 FM/950 AM The Fan Rochester and AHLTV.
The Amerks, coming off a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Utica on Wednesday, are aiming to build on their road success. With an impressive 7-2-1-0 record away from Blue Cross Arena this season, Rochester has been one of the AHL’s best road teams.
Head-to-Head History: A Balanced Rivalry
Last season, the teams evenly split their series, with Rochester posting a 2-2-0-0 record against Charlotte. Historically, the Checkers have had the upper hand, leading the all-time series with a 16-8-0-0 record. Tonight’s contest will be the 25th all-time meeting between these clubs.
Charlotte enters the game on a hot streak, earning points in five consecutive outings, including three straight wins. The Checkers boast a formidable 6-2-0-0 record at home this season, fueled by a lethal power play that has converted on 43.2% of opportunities on home ice—a league-leading statistic.
Amerks Riding a Wave of Momentum
Rochester’s recent surge has been powered by balanced scoring and steady goaltending. In Wednesday’s win over Utica, forwards Brett Murray, Riley Fiddler-Schultz, and Konsta Helenius each posted multi-point performances. Murray’s first even-strength goal of the season proved critical, while Fiddler-Schultz earned his first AHL two-point game.
Devon Levi has been stellar between the pipes, making 21 saves against Utica to secure his third consecutive win. Over his last three starts, Levi has allowed just four goals on 58 shots, showcasing a 1.30 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage. His play has been instrumental in Rochester’s climb to a tie for third place in the North Division standings.
Challenges on the Road
The game in Charlotte kicks off a grueling five-game road trip for the Amerks, their longest of the season. After this weekend’s doubleheader, Rochester will head north to face Laval and Belleville in three games next week. With a strong 7-2-1-0 road record this season, the Amerks have proven they can thrive in hostile environments.
Head coach Michael Leone emphasized the importance of playing a connected, selfless brand of hockey on the road, noting that these stretches can reveal the team’s true character. Rochester has relied on disciplined play and improved special teams to stay competitive away from home, with their road penalty kill ranking ninth in the league.
Charlotte’s Players to Watch
The Checkers are led by former Amerk Kyle Criscuolo, who tops the team with 10 goals and 21 points in 17 games. Criscuolo, a seasoned AHL veteran, has been a key offensive driver for Charlotte, tallying three points in their recent weekend sweep of Iowa.
Another key figure for Charlotte is goaltender Cooper Black, who is coming off his first professional shutout—a 3-0 win against Iowa last Saturday. Black, with a 1.62 goals-against average, has been a revelation for the Checkers this season.
Amerks Lineup Changes
Rochester will be without defenseman Ryan Johnson, who was recalled to Buffalo earlier this week. Johnson’s absence creates an opportunity for others to step up on the blue line. Meanwhile, forward Olivier Nadeau re-joins the team after a successful stint with the ECHL’s Jacksonville Icemen, where he recorded six goals and eight points in 11 games.
Keys to the Game
For Rochester, staying out of the penalty box will be crucial against Charlotte’s league-best power-play unit. The Amerks’ defense will also prioritize limiting opportunities for Criscuolo and the Checkers’ top scorers. Offensively, Rochester needs continued contributions from players like Murray and Helenius while maintaining the strong goaltending that has been their backbone during this streak.
With two red-hot teams colliding, tonight’s game promises to be a high-stakes battle as the Amerks look to extend their winning streak and maintain their upward trajectory in the North Division standings.
Game Details:
When: Friday, December 7, 2024, at 7:00 PM
Where: Bojangles Coliseum, Charlotte, NC
Broadcast: The Sports Leader 95.7 FM/950 AM The Fan Rochester, AHLTV
The stage is set for what should be an exciting matchup between two of the AHL’s most in-form teams. Can the Amerks keep their streak alive, or will Charlotte’s home-ice advantage prove too much? Tune in to find out!