The Rochester Americans (22-10-3-1) hit the road for a rematch against the surging Lehigh Valley Phantoms (19-14-5-1) Saturday night at PPL Center, aiming to bounce back from a frustrating shootout loss less than 24 hours ago.
Friday’s tilt in Rochester was a back-and-forth affair that saw the Amerks claw their way back from two separate deficits, only to fall short in the skills competition. Tonight, the scene shifts to Allentown, where Lehigh Valley has quietly become one of the AHL’s toughest teams to beat in tight games.
Rewind: A Missed Opportunity in Rochester
The Amerks had their chances Friday, but costly lapses and an inability to cash in on the power play ultimately led to their demise.
Despite generating ample offensive pressure, Rochester found itself playing from behind for much of the game. A first-period tally from Ethan Samson put the Phantoms in control early, and even after Josh Dunne’s third-period equalizer, the Amerks once again found themselves chasing after a shorthanded goal from Brendan Furry.
It took a clutch, net-front redirection from Brett Murray with just 56 seconds left in regulation to force overtime, but the drama didn’t stop there.
Isak Rosen appeared to have netted the game-winner early in the extra session, only for officials to overturn the goal due to goaltender interference. With momentum suddenly flipped, the Phantoms capitalized in the shootout as Rodrigo Abols delivered the decisive strike in the fourth round.
The defeat marked Rochester’s first shootout loss of the season after previously going 3-0 in such situations. Goaltender Devon Levi stood tall with 30 saves, but it was Parker Gahagen’s equally strong performance at the other end that stole the show.
Amerks’ Power Play Still Searching for Answers
For a team that ranks among the AHL’s highest-scoring offenses, the Amerks’ power play continues to be a glaring weak spot.
Rochester failed to convert on five power-play opportunities Friday, a concerning trend given that Lehigh Valley ranks among the league’s most penalized teams. The struggles on special teams are particularly puzzling when considering the sheer offensive firepower on the roster.
Currently sitting 26th in the AHL and last in the North Division with a 15.3% success rate, the Amerks’ man advantage needs to find its footing, especially against a team like the Phantoms, whose aggressive, high-energy style often leads to frequent trips to the penalty box.
On the flip side, Rochester’s penalty kill has been a steady force, successfully neutralizing 26 of its last 28 shorthanded situations. That continued Friday as the Amerks shut down all three of Lehigh Valley’s power plays.
The Felix Sandstrom Factor
All eyes will be on the Amerks’ crease Saturday night as Felix Sandstrom makes his highly anticipated return to PPL Center.
The veteran netminder spent the first six years of his North American career within the Flyers organization, appearing in 88 games with Lehigh Valley and 30 NHL contests with Philadelphia. While he’ll be facing several former teammates, sentimentality will be left at the door as he looks to keep his recent hot streak alive.
Since joining Rochester, Sandström has won three consecutive starts, including a 36-save gem against Bridgeport on January 4. With the Amerks looking to snap a two-game skid, the 28-year-old Swede will be counted on to provide stability in net.
Lehigh Valley Heating Up
The Phantoms enter tonight’s matchup playing some of their best hockey of the season. Winners of two straight and owners of a 6-1-1 record in January, Lehigh Valley has rapidly climbed the Atlantic Division standings, tying Charlotte and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for second place.
Beyond their recent success, the Phantoms have thrived in tight, one-goal contests. Their 14 wins in such games are among the most in the AHL, and they hold an impressive 8-0-3 record at home in one-goal decisions.
Lehigh Valley’s knack for overtime also looms large, having played a league-high 15 games beyond regulation. If Saturday’s rematch follows the script of Friday’s thriller, the Phantoms could once again find themselves in their comfort zone.
Key Players to Watch
Rochester Americans
- Isak Rosen (14-14-28) – A dynamic offensive weapon, Rosén’s near-game-winner in overtime Friday underscores his ability to take over in clutch situations.
- Brett Murray (17-11-28) – Rochester’s leading goal scorer came up big when his team needed it most Friday. His net-front presence could be a game-changer again tonight.
- Noah Ostlund (1-2-3) – The 20-year-old Swede continues to see an expanded role, contributing in all situations after returning from injury.
Lehigh Valley Phantoms
- Samu Tuomaala (8-17-25) – The Finnish forward leads the Phantoms in scoring and is a threat to create offense every time he touches the puck.
- Brendan Furry (4-5-9) – A shorthanded specialist, Furry’s game-changing ability on the penalty kill was on full display Friday.
- Rodrigo Abols (9-10-19) – The overtime hero last night, Abols is emerging as a key contributor for Lehigh Valley.
Final Thoughts
With the season series on the line, expect a high-intensity battle between two teams that now have a clear feel for one another. The Amerks’ offensive talent has the potential to break through, but they’ll need to be more opportunistic with the man advantage to avoid another frustrating result.
Meanwhile, the Phantoms are proving to be a resilient, opportunistic group, thriving in tight games and showing no signs of slowing down.
A fast start and disciplined play will be critical for Rochester as they aim to flip the script and head home with a much-needed two points.
Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m. at PPL Center. Fans can catch the action live on AHLTV via FloHockey or tune in on The Fan Rochester.