Harbour Station, New Brunswick: Rochester Americans 3, St. John Flames 2

Rochester took the lead first once again, this time they held on to win. In
a rematch of the meeting less than a week ago, one in which the Americans blew
a 3-1 lead to settle for a 4-4 tie, the Rochester Americans used two power-
play conversions to put away the Baby Flames and earn a playoff berth in the
American Hockey League.
Dean Melanson scored his seventh of the season at 6:40 of the opening period
on the power-play to give the Amerks the early lead. Dean Sylvester and
Domenic Pittis assisted on the score. Eric Charron tied the game for the
Flames at 9:52, a score that also came on a power-play opportunity. The score
remained unchanged through the second period.
Steve Begin gave St. John the lead at 3:12 of the final period with his
seventh of the year. However, Mike Hurlbut took a power-play opportunity to
the max by tying the game at two apiece with his 12th goal of the season,
assisted by Mike Harder. Erik Rassmussen, a perpetual yo-yo through the
Sabres system this season, scored the game winner at 15:58 of the final period
to seal the victory. It was Rassmussen's first goal in two months; he was
assisted by Matt Davidson. The game-winner was Rassmussen's sixth goal of the
season in an Amerks uniform. Ironically, his last goal came on January 2
while with the parent Sabres, who were squaring off against the Calgary
Flames, St. John's parent club. Tom Draper showed that he could remain
versatile by continuing his dominance over opponents, stopping 27 of 29 shots
on goal. Over the last fifteen games, the Americans have a record of 12-2-1.
Rochester is in Hersheypark, PA tomorrow night to take on the Bears in the
fourth game of their five-game road trip. A game report will be issued as
soon as possible following the game.
Stay tuned for further updates regarding the Rochester Americans on
amerks@onelist.com!!

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