Syracuse, NY (GA Gameday Report): Rochester Americans @ Syracuse Crunch

Mike Hurlbut was all over the ice last night, playing like he was much
younger than his 32 years. Between 16:45 of the second period and 11:59 of
the third, Hurlbut helped the Rochester penalty-killers do just that. Hurlbut
has been the frontman of the Rochester defense for much of the season and his
play last night showed exactly that. However, this was not your typical great
Amerks defense playing. Martin Biron was a star in goal once more, but he was
forced to make a few more difficult saves than usual. In fact, Biron faced 46
shots in the game and stopped 45, a season high for him.
Scott Nichol broke a 1-1 tie in the third period which opened the floodgates
for the Rochester Americans. Randy Cunneyworth scored at 8:56 of the third
period on a short-handed goal to give the Amerks a 3-1 lead. Hurlbut scored
his seventh of the season late in the game and offensive weapons Dean
Sylvester and Domenic Pittis also scored to help the Americans to the 5-1
victory. The win was the fifteenth time the Rochester club has limited an
opponent to one goal and have also produced five shutouts this season. As for
their current streak, the Americans have limited their opposition to one goal
in 8 of the past 15 games.
With the victory, Rochester took a four point lead over their closest rival
in the Empire Division, the Hamilton Bulldogs, 62-58. They are also eight
points ahead of the Albany River Rats, who were losers to Adirondack Sunday
evening. Rochester plays host to the Rats this coming Friday as the meet at
the Blue Cross Arena at the Rochester War Memorial for a 7:35 pm faceoff.
More information to follow!

Go Amerks!
Jon D. LeRoy,
List Moderator,
Sr. GA Correspondent.