Halfway home
Published on January 18, 2005 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Rochester Americans News Release
On The Ice:
The Rochester Americans (25-9-3-3, 56 points) have hit the halfway point of the 2004-2005 regular season. After 40 games, the team has the fourth-best record in the AHL and second in the Western Conference. (one point behind Manitoba) The Amerks are 8-2-0-0 in their last 10 games.
Games This Week
Wednesday, January 19, 2005 7:00 p.m.
Rochester Americans at Albany River Rats
Pepsi Arena; Albany, NY
The Albany River Rats (10-21-4-4, 28 points) will host the Amerks on Wednesday night. This will be the third of six between the two clubs. The Amerks won the first two games of the series. In their last meeting on December 31st, goaltender Tom Askey made 33 saves and Derek Roy scored the game-winning goal, as the Amerks rolled to a 3-1 victory at The Blue Cross Arena. The Amerks hold the all-time series mark with a 39-34-9 record. The young River Rats have two high-flying rookies on their roster this season. Forwards Zach Parise and (7+21) and Aaron Voros (9+11) have been among AHL rookie leaders in points all season. Parise currently leads all first-year players in assists (21). Rookie Cam Janssen leads all rookies in penalty minutes with 169.
Friday, January 21, 2005 7:35 p.m.
Philadelphia Phantoms at Rochester Americans
Blue Cross Arena; Rochester, NY
The Amerks will host the Philadelphia Phantoms for the first time in two seasons on Friday night. Earlier this month, the Amerks picked up a 4-2 road victory over the Phantoms, as Thomas Vanek scored one goal and added one assist. The Phantoms still hold the all-time series edge with a 17-16-4 mark. Philadelphia continues to be one of the strongest teams in the AHL. Earlier this season, the Phantoms set an AHL record by winning 17 consecutive games. Forward Patrick Sharp leads the team in points with 32 (14+18). The Phantoms are ranked eighth in the AHL both offensively (2.95 goals-scored per game) and defensively (2.43 goals-against per game).
Saturday, January 22, 2005 7:05 p.m.
Rochester Americans at Binghamton Senators
Broome County Memorial Arena; Binghamton, NY
The Amerks will look for revenge against the Binghamton Senators (23-14-3-2, 51 points) on Saturday night. On January 15th, the Sens scored four goals in the first period to hand the Amerks a 5-1 loss, and snap the Amerks' four-game winning streak. So far this season, the Amerks are 2-1-1 against Binghamton. Forward Thomas Vanek leads the Amerks in scoring in the series with seven points (3+4), while Denis Hamel (2+6) leads the Sens with eight points. The Sens continue to be one of the most potent teams in the AHL offensively. Forward Jason Spezza leads the AHL in points with 60 (17+43) and rookie Brandon Bochenski leads all rookies in points with 30 (15+15).
Around the Boards:
· The Amerks have dropped to 14th in the AHL on the power play with a 15.2% success rate (34 for 224). The team is now fourth in the league penalty killing with an 88.2 percentage (172 for 195).
· Amerks forward Chris Thorburn currently has a four-game point streak (2+2).
Shooting Stars:
After 40 regular season games, the following players lead the team in the following statistical categories:
Skaters: Goals- Thomas Vanek (16); Assists- Derek Roy and Chris Taylor (25) Points- Derek Roy and Chris Taylor (34); Shots- Jason Pominville (125); Penalty Minutes- Sean McMorrow (120)
Goaltending: Minutes- Ryan Miller (1936:48); Saves- Ryan Miller (922); Goals-Against Average- Tom Askey (1.94); Save Percentage- Tom Askey (.933)
Amerks on the Dials:
Television- Friday's game against Philadelphia will be broadcast tape delay on Saturday, January 22nd at noon on Time Warner Cable Channel 98.
Radio and Webcast: All three games this week will be broadcast on WHTK 1280-AM. The game will also be available on webcast on the Official Website of the Rochester Americans at www.amerks.com.
AMERKS SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
Wednesday, January 19 at Albany River Rats 7:00 p.m.
Friday, January 21 PHILADELPHIA PHANTOMS 7:35 p.m.
Saturday, January 22 at Binghamton Senators 7:05 p.m.
Tuesday, January 25 at Cleveland Barons 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 26 at Hamilton Bulldogs 7:00 p.m.
Upcoming Promotions:
Amerks Group Information: Looking for a fun night out for your group or team? The Amerks are offering many great group packages. Groups can save up to $9.00 per ticket. There are many group leader benefits, including free tickets and Amerks merchandise. For more information, please contact the Amerks group sales department at 585-454-5335.
Amerks Weekly Schedule: (Schedule is tentative, and subject to change)
Tuesday, January 18 12:00 p.m. Practice at BCA
Wednesday, January 19 Gameday skate at BCA at 10:00 a.m.
7:00 p.m. game vs. Albany River Rats
Pepsi Arena; Albany, NY
WHTK 1280-AM and www.amerks.com
Thursday, January 20 10:00 a.m. practice at BCA
Friday, January 21 10:00 a.m. Game day skate in BCA
7:35 p.m. game vs. Philadelphia Phantoms
Blue Cross Arena; Rochester, NY
WHTK 1280-AM and www.amerks.com
Saturday, January 22 9:00 a.m. Gameday skate at ESL Sports Centre
7:05 p.m. game vs. Binghamton Senators
Broome County Memorial Arena; Binghamton, NY
WHTK 1280-AM and www.amerks.com
Sunday, January 23 OFF
American Hockey League Stories from January 18, 2005
- Falcons Release Elliott from ATO - Springfield Falcons
- Jackson joins the Storm - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Falcons Begin Season's Second Half in Hartford on Wednesday - Springfield Falcons
- Worcester's Buckley Suspended For Four Games - Manchester Monarchs
- Aeros, KNTH partner to air remaining games - Houston Aeros
- Leclaire and Ryan to Sign Autographs at Quickway January 25 - Syracuse Crunch
- Phantoms Flier - Adirondack Phantoms
- Sound Tigers finish tough road stretch - Bridgeport Islanders
- Busy Week In Community For Sound Tigers - Bridgeport Islanders
- IceCats Weekly Outlook - Worcester IceCats
- Robinson, Dionne, Taylor named AHL All-Star honorees - AHL
- Johnson and Panzer to Sign Autographs at Friendly's January 24 - Syracuse Crunch
- Halfway home - Rochester Americans
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.
