| Game Summary |
Final Score:
Rochester Americans 2, Laval Rocket 3 (Overtime)
Key Stats:
- Shots on Goal: Amerks 31 – Laval Rocket 25
- Power Play Goals: Amerks 0/4 – Laval Rocket 2/4
Date and Location:
November 13th, 2024, at Blue Cross Arena
Quick Recap
In a hard-fought game, the Rochester Americans fell 3-2 to the Laval Rocket in overtime. The Amerks opened the scoring in the second period with a goal from Graham Slaggert, but Laval responded with two quick goals in the third. Anton Wahlberg tied it up, forcing overtime, but a late powerplay goal by Rocket defenseman Logan Mailloux secured the win for Laval. Despite the loss, the Amerks led in shots and showed strong offensive pressure throughout.
Amerks vs. Laval Rocket: Period-by-Period Breakdown:
First Period Summary: A Scoreless, Penalty-Filled Start
The Amerks and Laval Rocket wrapped up the first period without any goals on the board, but the action was intense. Both teams accumulated three minor penalties, leading to two powerplay opportunities apiece that neither team could convert. Despite the scoreline, the Amerks dominated offensively, outshooting the Rocket 14-4. Jiri Kulich and Brett Murray each recorded three shots, driving the momentum and keeping Rocket goaltender Jakub Dobes busy throughout the opening period.
First Period Shots and Goals
- Amerks: No goals
- Rocket: No goals
First Period Penalties
14:43 – Rocket: Owen Beck, Hooking, 2 minutes (Powerplay for Amerks)
05:16 – Amerks: Viktor Neuchev, Tripping, 2 minutes (Powerplay for Rocket)
08:36 – Rocket: Florian Xhekaj, Slashing, 2 minutes (Powerplay for Amerks)
10:52 – Rocket: Xavier Simoneau, High-sticking, 2 minutes
10:52 – Amerks: Lukas Rousek, Tripping, 2 minutes
14:04 – Amerks: Graham Slaggert, Slashing, 2 minutes (Powerplay for Rocket)
Second Period Recap: Amerks Take the Lead
The second period saw the Amerks break through on the scoreboard, thanks to a resilient effort from both the offense and defense. Goaltender Michael Houser was a standout, keeping Laval off the board and maintaining a shutout through two periods. Midway through the frame, Graham Slaggert capitalized on a loose puck, firing it into the net to give the Amerks a 1-0 lead. The Amerks continued to dominate in shots, outshooting Laval 10-7 in the period and extending their overall lead in shots to 24-11 by the end of the second.
Second Period Goals
Amerks:
- Graham Slaggert (3) (Watch Highlight)
Assists: Brendan Warren (3)
Rocket: None
Second Period Penalties
01:49 – Rocket: Jared Davidson, Roughing, 2 minutes (Powerplay for Amerks)
04:25 – Rocket: Florian Xhekaj, Interference, 2 minutes (Powerplay for Amerks)
Third Period Highlights: Late Drama Pushes Game to Overtime
The third period brought intense back-and-forth action as the Laval Rocket fought to level the score and eventually pulled ahead. Just under three minutes in, Rocket forward Luke Tuch tipped the puck past Amerks goaltender Michael Houser, tying the game at 1-1. The Rocket then capitalized on a powerplay opportunity, scoring again to take a 2-1 lead. However, the Amerks responded almost instantly—just 13 seconds later, Anton Wahlberg seized a loose puck that Rocket goaltender Jakub Dobes thought he had covered, slipping it into the open net to equalize at 2-2. The period ended in a 2-2 draw, sending the game into overtime.
Third Period Goals:
Amerks:
- Anton Wahlberg (4) (Watch Highlight)
Assists: Jiri Kulich (1), Brett Murray (6)
Rocket:
- Luke Tuch (4)
Assists: Vincent Arseneau (1), William Trudeau (2) - Alex Barré-Boulet (4) (PP)
Assists: Logan Mailloux (8), Joshua Roy (6)
Third Period Penalties:
- 00:23 – Rocket: Xavier Simoneau Holding the stick, 2 min
- 00:23 – Amerks: Josh Dunne Hooking, 2 min
- 07:44 – Amerks: Vsevolod Komarov Tripping, 2 min PP
Overtime Highlights: Controversial Penalty Leads to Rocket Victory
Overtime was a high-stakes exchange as both teams traded scoring chances in a tense battle for the win. The Amerks controlled the puck in the Rocket zone and were cycling effectively when forward Konsta Helenius was called for a questionable interference penalty with 1:44 remaining. This penalty gave the Rocket a critical powerplay opportunity, and with just 51 seconds left in overtime, defenseman Logan Mailloux found the back of the net, securing a 3-2 victory for Laval.
Overtime Goal:
Rocket:
- Logan Mailloux (4)
Assists: Alex Barré-Boulet (9), Owen Beck (8)
Overtime Penalties:
- 03:16– Amerks: Konsta Helenius Interference, 2 min PP
| Three Stars of the Game|
- 1. Logan Mailloux – Laval Rocket – G: 1 | A: 1
- 2. Alex Barré-Boulet – Laval Rocket – G: 1 | A: 1
- 3. Luch Tuch – Laval Rocket – G: 1 | A: 0
Key Takeaways
1. Jiri Kulich Leads Amerks in Shots
Jiri Kulich was a standout for the Amerks, leading the team in shots with a total of seven in tonight’s game. His consistent pressure on the Rocket defense was evident throughout, as he played a key role in keeping the Amerks on the offensive and creating scoring opportunities.
Next Game
The Rochester Americans are set for a rematch against the Laval Rocket (10-2-0-0) at home this Saturday, November 16, with puck drop scheduled for 5:05 PM. Be sure to tune in to our pregame coverage, where we’ll provide insights, key matchups, and everything you need to know as the Amerks aim to avenge tonight’s close loss.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
What were your thoughts on tonight’s game? Share your insights and season predictions in the comments below! Don’t forget to follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @SabresInsight for ongoing Amerks coverage, game analysis, and exclusive updates as the season unfolds. Be sure to check back regularly for more in-depth Amerks content!