The Rochester Americans opened their best-of-five AHL North second-round series against the Laval Rocket at Blue Cross Arena on Wednesday after a nearly two-week break, and the long stretch between series may have affected both clubs, as Rochester coming off consecutive shutouts, surrendered more goals to Laval than they did in the entire series against Syracuse.
After surrendering the lead twice and tying the game in the third period, Laval’s Oliver Kapanen tipped a point shot from Logan Mailloux past Devon Levi to give the Rocket a 5-4 victory in Game 1 on Wednesday. Kale Clague, Konsta Helenius, Josh Dunne, and Isak Rosen scored for Rochester, and Devon Levi made 29 saves in his first loss of the post-season.
Clague has been the surprise offensive performer for the Amerks, and his goal and assist in Game 1 have the veteran defenseman leading the club in goals(4) and points(7). The contest had some interested observers, as Sabres owner Terry Pegula, GM Kevyn Adams, head coach Lindy Ruff, assistant coach Seth Appert, and special assistant Eric Staal were in attendance.
Kulich, coming off an impressive second-half as a rookie with Buffalo, is second on the Amerks with five points (1 goal, 4 assists) in the playoffs. 2024 first-round pick Konsta Helenius had an up-and-down rookie campaign in Rochester (35 points), but has contributed offensively in the postseason with four points (2 goals, 2 assists).
