Apr 17, 2024
By Andrew Mossbrooks | @Mossbrooks48
With three games to play in their season, the Rochester Americans (37-23-6-3) continue their homestand with game three of four straight at Blue Cross Arena, taking on the Toronto Marlies (34-23-10-2).
GAME NOTES ROSTER SHEET MEDIA KIT
Wednesday serves as the season series finale between these teams. The Amerks are 3-1-0-1 against Toronto, though the Marlies have skated away with victories in each of the last two meetings. Both teams have three games remaining and are separated by three points. The Amerks rank second in the North Division while Toronto is holding down the fourth seed.
“They could still win the division,” said Amerks head coach Seth Appert. “I think when you play Toronto, it starts with your team defense. You cannot let a high-flying team like them get out in open space and have time on line rushes and in the offensive zone. The best way to be successful against them offensively is gauged by how good you defend, how much time and space you take away from them, and how physically engaged we are without the puck. If we do those things, then we can get the puck and show our talent as well.”
For the first time since March 2, forward Lukas Rousek will be in Rochester’s lineup. The third-year pro was reassigned to the Amerks from Buffalo upon the Sabres completing their season. This year, Rousek appeared in 15 games for Buffalo, logging two assists.
“This is the longest run he’s had in the NHL,” said Appert. “There’s a lot of confidence, knowledge and experience he’s gained from that. Now, it’s an opportunity for him with his play and competitiveness to state that he’s done with this league. That’s the challenge we’ve laid out to him. He wants to be a full-time Buffalo Sabre next year and he’ll get the opportunity to make that kind of statement down the stretch with us.”
“It was a perfect time,” said Rousek. “Every day there was perfect for me. Getting to play with the best players in the world and play against the best in the world was exciting. I want to stay there next season. The speed is a big difference there and the players are so smart. There’s so much more skill, but for me, I’m happy to be back here and help the guys here and prepare for the best time of the season (playoffs).”
Rousek’s 38 points (10+28) are tied for fifth in team…
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