AHL Rochester Americans

Amerks Blanked by Wolf Pack

December 27, 2015 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Rochester Americans News Release


(Rochester, NY)... Chad Nehring's team-leading ninth goal of the season 5:51 into the third period stood as the difference as the Hartford Wolf Pack avenged last weekend's loss to the Rochester Americans with a 1-0 shutout victory over the Amerks Sunday evening at The Blue Cross Arena.

Nehring's lone tally was assisted by Ryan Bourque and Adam Tambellini, while goaltender Jeff Malcolm finished with 24 saves for his first career AHL shutout.

Phil Varone led the Amerks with a team-high four shots and Nathan Lieuwen stopped 25 of 26 shots in his return to the crease.

Strong defensive play by both teams led to somewhat of a stalemate in the first period with both teams unable to find the back of the net despite Rochester holding an 8-7 advantage in shots.

After the scoreless first period, the Amerks had perhaps their best chance of the night when Justin Bailey sent the puck right across Hartford's crease to an awaiting Evan Rodrigues, but Rodrigues couldn't connect on the one-timer opportunity. The Wolf Pack had a late period push on the attack and managed to outshoot their hosts 8-7 at the close of the second period.

Hartford eventually broke the deadlock with Nehring getting the better of Lieuwen nearly six minutes into the final frame off a set up from Bourque. Lieuwen appeared to make the initial save, but was unable to hold on, allowing Hartford to take a 1-0 lead it would not surrender.

Rochester pulled Lieuwen with less than two minutes remaining in favor of the extra attacker, but Malcolm remained perfect as the Amerks couldn't capitalize with the extra man.

Rochester concludes its season-long five-game homestand on Wednesday, Dec. 30 as the Amerks return to downtown Buffalo to host the St. John's IceCaps in a North Division showdown at the First Niagara Center, home of the parent Buffalo Sabres. The 7:05 p.m. matchup will be the sixth of eight meetings between the two teams this season and will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 1280 Rochester. After dropping two straight to the IceCaps earlier in the year, the Amerks have won three straight against St. John's.

Goal Scorers

RCH: None

HFD: Nehring (9)

Shots

RCH: 24

HFD: 26

Goaltenders

RCH: Lieuwen - L (25/26)

HFD: Malcolm - W (24/24)

Special Teams

Amerks Power Play: 0-1

Amerks Penalty Kill: 2-2

Check out the Rochester Americans Statistics



American Hockey League Stories from December 27, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central