AHL Rochester Americans

Amerks Burned by Heat in Game 1

Published on April 15, 2010 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Rochester Americans News Release


(Rochester, NY)... The Rochester Americans dropped a 3-2 decision to the Abbotsford Heat tonight at The Blue Cross Arena. The Amerks fell behind early and could not overcome the two-goal deficit. The Heat now lead the best-of-seven North Division Semifinal 1-0.

Leading the way for Abbotsford was Keith Seabrook who scored two goals in tonight's contest to give him the star of the game. Staffan Kronwall also had a two-point performance as he tallied two assists.

Mike York recorded one goal and one assist for the Amerks and Graham Mink recorded two assists on the evening. Abbotsford and Rochester both capitalized on the power-play with the Heat going 2-for-11 and the Amerks going 2-for-8.

"Staying out of the box and getting off to a better start that's what killed us the most tonight," said York about the game plan for Game 2.

Abbotsford jumped out in front in the opening minute with a goal just 35 seconds into the contest as Seabrook gave the Heat 1-0 lead. Garth Murray and Jon Rheault each tallied assists on the play.

Abbotsford soon made it a 2-0 game on the power play as Shawn Weller was able to sneak the puck past Amerks goalie Alexander Salak at the 8:16 mark of the first. Assisting on the play was Tyler Spurgeon and Kronwall.

Rochester cut the deficit in half as Jordan Henry tucked in a Graham Mink rebound at the goal-mouth just inside the near post past Shantz for his first of the postseason. Mike York also picked up an assist on the power-play goal at 15:32.

Seabrook struck again at the 18:17 mark of the first to give the Heat their two-goal lead back as he beamed in a one-timer past Salak for his second of the evening. Abbotsford needed just eight seconds on the man advantage following a Clay Wilson high-sticking penalty to take a 3-1 lead heading into the second stanza. Kronwall recorded his second point of the night with an assist on the tally, in addition to Mitch Wahl picking up his first point of the playoffs with a helper.

Rochester cut the lead to one when York found the back of the net with 27 seconds remaining in the game, while the Amerks were on the power-play and playing with the extra attacker. But the game would end 3-2 as former Amerks goalie David Shantz earned the victory. Rochester goalie Tyler Plante played 40 minutes and stopped all 20 shots he faced. He replaced Salak, who allowed three first-period goals.

"It's up to us to play a better game (Saturday)," said Amerks Head Coach Benoit Groulx. "You can't expect to win when you spend most of the time in the box."

Rochester remains at home for Game 2 of the best-of-seven series on Saturday, April 17th against the Heat. The 7:05 p.m. contest will be broadcast live on SportsRadio 1280 WHTK and FM 107.3, Rochester's Sports Talk. Fans can also tune in to watch live on Time Warner Cable SportsNet Channel 26.

Rochester remains at home for Game 2 of the best-of-seven series on Saturday, April 17th against the Heat. The 7:05 p.m. contest will be broadcast live on SportsRadio 1280 WHTK and FM 107.3, Rochester's Sports Talk. Fans can also tune in to watch live on Time Warner Cable SportsNet Channel 26.

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American Hockey League Stories from April 15, 2010


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