The Amerks won back to back games against the Manitoba Moose, what an excellent start to the new year!  Karl Stewart scored the game winning goal in the 10th round of the shootout on Saturday to give the Amerks the two game sweep.  The last time the Amerks won in Manitoba was December 2006.

Mike Brodeur is now leading the AHL with a 1.59 goals against average following Saturday nights win, if he continues at this pace he should be selected to Team Canada for the AHL All-Star Classic.

On Friday night Stefan Meyer and Jacob Micflikier scored to give the Amerks a 2-1 win.

Saturday goals were scored for Cory Murphy, Stefan Meyer, and the shoot out winner by Karl Stewart for the 3-2 win.

Cory Murphy cleared waivers back on October 11th, makes one wonder if the team could have started the season any differently had he been assigned here at that time.

The Amerks gained four points this weekend and continue climbing the steps out of last place, a lot of games are left in the season and a lot is possible.

“We were better than we were last night,” Moose head coach Scott Arniel said after Saturdays game.

If they were better and the Amerks still won, that’s a sign they’re an improved team.

The Moose are playing without Jason Jaffray and Alexandre Bolduc who have both been called up by the Vancouver Canucks, but we’re playing without Shawn Matthias.. that’s comparable wouldn’t you agree?   (insert sarcasm!)

I wasn’t able to listen to or watch either, luckily the Manitoba Moose have an amazing web site that has highlights from both games.

Thoughts from watching the highlights:

Friday nights 2-1 win -

* Fistric mixing it up with Sprukts, is he crazy?  Sprukts would break him in half just by looking at him.
* Meyer’s 8th goal of the season, Amerks first of the game assisted by Larman and Gelech.  Three players that everyone has been expecting more out of.  Good job guys!
* Micflikier’s third goal of the season and game winning goal scored in front of family and friends, and a great shot it was from the face off circle.
* Nice seeing the team play smart hockey in the closing seconds by not icing the puck (something the Moose would later do on Saturday night)

Saturday nights 3-2 shootout win -

* Amazing Brodeur didn’t stop Ouellet’s first goal short handed.
* Cory Murphy was on the ice for all four regulation goals, did he play the whole game?
* Cory Murphy’s first ever AHL goal, and first of the game was an excellent shot from the point that beat Goehring stick side.. also a great pass by Repik.
* Ouellet’s 2nd goal was a great shot.
* Meyer tied the game 2-2 with 5 seconds left in regulation for his 9th goal of the season, assisted by Murphy who shot the puck perfectly in front of the net where Meyer could tip it in.  Well, it looked more like a perfect pass than a direct shot on goal.

The Amerks will travel back to Rochester on Sunday with their next game on Friday night at Blue Cross Arena against the slumping Crunch who are 1-6-2-1 in the last 10 games.

Pass the word to friends and family, the Amerks are playing some exciting hockey again!

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Amerks Win Two Games Against the Moose

It seems like Top 10 posts are the popular thing to do, and why not, looks back at what people seemed to find the most interesting.  In 2008 the Amerks at one point were a team with an uncertain future due to a lack of ownership.  That was solved, here’s hoping that “new day for a Rochester tradition” is accomplished in 2009 with a successful team on the ice.  We’ll be out of town for a couple days, in absence of covering Wednesday mornings practice here’s a list of the top 10 most read posts on this site in 2008:

10. Amerks Open Camp, Live at ESL!

The team opened training camp at the ESL Centre in Henrietta on September 30, 2008.. the day that the Edmonton Oilers claimed Steve MacIntyre off of waivers from the Panthers.  “Big Mac” was already on the ice for camp when he was pulled off and given the news.

9. Featured Player: Adam Dennis

This is something we need to do more of, it’s the only reason I can think that Adam Dennis and Dylan Hunter were considered amongst the top posts of the year.  It’s not like either of them has busted into the Sabres lineup.

8. Featured Player: Dylan Hunter

See above!

7. NY Times Article on Amerks Owner Curt Styres

At the time it was the most any of us got to know about Styres.  As noted in the last paragraph of the article, Styres dreams big.. he still is which is great, here’s hoping it really happens in ‘09.

6. Mike Funk Practice Video

At the end of practice you had to score a shootout goal, if you did you got to leave the ice, if you didn’t you had to take off a piece of equipment each time you failed.  Watch the video.  If kids weren’t in the bleachers who know where this would have gone!

5. Sabres Affiliation ‘Days Away’ from Being Over

In June 2008 it became official that the Sabres and Amerks were ending a 29 year relationship.

4. A Day at Florida Panthers Rookie Camp

This was the first real look we had at our current team, it was worth the long drive and we plan on doing it again this year.

3. Rochester Americans Future Still in Question

In March 2008 no one really knew what the future of the team was, especially at the height of the Rhinos/Paetec Park/City of Rochester fiasco going on.

2. Skating With The Players At Blue Cross Arena

Short and sweet post, but it appeared to be something a lot of people were interested in!

1. New Goalie Helmet for Tyler Plante

Tyler Plantes’ goalie helmet is unique to say the least.  He’s currently playing for the Dayton Bombers in the ECHL.  Given the popularity of this post, I’m going to try and capture more images of goalies helmets as they pass through town.  Many are boring, some seem very interesting!

There you have it, the top 10 read articles of 2008 on Lets Go Amerks!  If you have any ideas of something that could make the list in ‘09 please use the contact form or leave a comment below!

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Top 10 Read Posts of 2008 on Lets Go Amerks

It was a cold morning at the ESL Sports Centre in Henrietta for practice this morning.. amazing how much I’ve taken it for granted sitting in warm comfortable seats at Blue Cross Arena instead of metal benches.

Practice was practice, what else can really be said about the team going through the motions and drills.  Worth noting though was Kenndal McArdle and David Brine hanging out late practicing shooting the puck at various spots of the net.  The Amerks are at the bottom of the AHL with only 66 goals scored this season, which is also a reason they’re in last place.  If you can’t score, you can’t win.

Shawn Matthias and Jason Garrison were the last two players to leave the ice as they worked with Jason Cipolla.  It’s an understatement to say that Matthias needs the practice.  In 24 games he only has 3 goals and 1 assist.  He also has a team worst  +/- rating of -21.

Mike Brodeur, the one player who has put new life in the team, still has no update on any sort of contract offer.  He’s on a 25 game PTO and has played in 10 games so far.  I asked him for any sort of update and he said, “I wish, I want to start making some more money.”

Rory Fitzpatrick is back on the ice prior to the rest of the team.  He has been hoping to be back in the lineup in this weekend.

Riley Emmerson attempted to skate for a minute, but lasted about 45 seconds.  He’s been out of the lineup nursing a sprained ankle.

Mike Duco left the game on Sunday in Hamilton after Greg Stewart nailed him into the boards, Steward was called for boarding major and game misconduct.  No idea what the nature the injury is, but he wasn’t practicing either.  Cipolla said they’d find out today.

Last but not least it appeared as if the flu bug that pestered the team over the weekend is gone.  Everyone seemed healthy, hopefully it stays that way as they’ll need everything ounce of energy when they travel to Manitoba for back to back games on Friday and Saturday.

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Tuesday Morning Practice; Injury Updates, Still No Contract

Tonight, the Rochester Americans take on the Hamilton Bulldogs at the Blue Cross Arena.  The game starts at 7:35PM and should have a pretty good size crowd as the post Christmas game usually does.  Mike Broduer should be starting in goal tonight even after he slipped up during Sunday night’s game.

Stefan Meyer should be will likely be back on the ice (as he should have been in Sunday night).  Drew Larman and Randel Gelech should be scratched if you are scratching players based on who is producing the worst on the team.

Rory Fitzpatrick still isn’t practicing, but he is here working out.  He is currently out here on the bench with the team watching them work.  Remember that Rory should be returning on the team’s trip out to Manitoba.

Don’t miss tonight’s game.  It may be the loudest one of the year with a crowd expected of close to 8,000.

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Christmas Is Over…Amerks Ready To Take On The Bulldogs 12-26-2008

“Story of our season, can’t buy a goal,” were words used by coach Benoit Groulx after the Amerks were shutout 6-0 by the Grand Rapids Griffins.

The Amerks also aren’t able to compete with the top teams in the AHL, as evident by the standings as well  the games last night against the Griffins and last week against the Peoria Rivermen.  Those two teams will be competing for winner of the conference by the end of the season.

The Griffins are 17-7-3-3, the Amerks are 8-21-0-2.  The Griffins have a scored 104 goals in 30 games.  The Amerks have scored 59 goals in 31 games.  The stats could continue, but that says it all right there.

It seemed as if the Griffins did their homework on the Amerks, the first three goals were scored by simply heading to the front of the net and beating our defense to easily put the puck past Mike Brodeur.  Evan McGrath scored the Griffins fourth goal as he crossed the blue line right past Michal Repik, took the pass from Francis Pare and shot it right past Brodeur.  Repik should have been able to outskate that guy and prevent him from getting the pass.

Mike Brodeur was pulled after the first two periods of play and replaced by Chris Beckford-Tseu.  Brodeur gets a “pass” on this game.  He’s been playing outstanding, but when your defense starts relying too much on you instead of stopping the puck and opposing players, and the offense can’t score, there’s only so much a goalie can do.

The team was not able to get any plays going, as soon as they’d enter the Griffins zone with the puck they would take it and head back the other way.

The defense is soft against top teams.  The offense can’t get anything started.  Let’s hope Santa is good and leaves something good under the tree for all.

The other interesting story line of the game was Stefan Meyer being a healthy scratch from the game.  When I asked Groulx about it he said, “We expect more from him and he’s aware of it.  We’ve been talking with him for a while.  I think Stefan is a good player, obviously you can’t do more, he’s the first one that knows he’s gotta bring more to this team.  We want this team to work.”

Stefan Meyer had “no comment” after the game.

Trouble in Amerk-Ville?  Meyer is tied for the team lead in goals with seven and is one of only six players with double digits in points.  Seems as though Groulx is trying to send a message by scratching Meyer from the lineup showing no one is untouchable.. Drew Larman and Randall Gelech have also recently been healthy scratches.

Interesting times in Amerk-Ville for sure.  The Amerks return to the ice on Friday when they play the Hamilton Bulldogs at Blue Cross Arena.

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Can’t Score Goals, Shutout By Griffins; Meyer Scratched

In the words of Major League’s Harry Doyle, “In case you haven’t noticed, and judging by the attendance you haven’t, the Amerks have managed to win a few games, and are threatening to climb out of the cellar.”  The weather outside is frightful…so, I brought the laptop to the game so everyone at home who may not be listening can still get updates on the game.

The Amerks just killed off a penalty brilliantly.  The Monsters never really had a chance to get anything going.  Keaton Ellerby was called for tripping.  He hit the puck and the guy “fell” over his stick…so…whatever.

15:00 left in the first.

The Sprukts, Matthias, Repik line looks nice.  They have already made some good things happen.

12:41 Left in the first period and Riley Emmerson takes on a guy who looks just like Jesus.  It really isn’t nice to hit Jesus a few days before his birthday.  But, in this case, I will allow it.  It was pretty much a draw…but, Emmerson got a few good hits in there.  So, I call the fight in favor of Riley Emmerson.

Amerks on the powerplay.  Repik got hooked.  Nothing came from that PP, but the puck movement was good and they kept it in pretty well.

6:30 left in the 1st period.  The Amerks are really hitting guys tonight.  Jason Garrison had a nice open ice hit, Jordan Henry is hitting anything in a maroon jersey, Mike Caruso and Keaton Ellerby are all over their men.  It’s great to see.  Everyone is hoping to not be the defenseman benched once Rory Fitzpatrick comes back against the Manitoba Moose on January 2nd in Manitoba.

Team Chiropractor, Dr Dudley was just called into action on the bench in place of equipment manager Peter.  He is doing a great job…his stick handling skills are being tested…and he is doing great.

4:01 let in the first: Peter Aston scores his first goal of the season.  A beautiful shot from the point hit the crossbar and sunk right into the net.  Assists to Keaton Ellerby and Kenndal McArdle. (EDIT: Scoring change…Goal scored by Michael Duco.  Assists Peter Aston and Keaton Ellerby).

End of the first period.  Amerks winning 1-0.

Second period starting.

16:00 left in the 2nd period.  A penalty shot is awarded the the Lake Erie Monsters.  Brodeur is in goal so, I wasn’t worried about it.  And I shouldn’t have been.  Nothing for them.

12:24 left in the 2nd: Peter Aston, two minutes for slashing.  David Brine and Mike Caruso had a really good kill.

9:58 Williams two minutes for hooking.  This is the second powerplay opportunity of the game.  Shawn Matthias just missed the top corner of the net sending it all the way down the ice.  Now the Amerks are having a hard time getting back into the play.  Shots are being fired…a few close calls.  Almost a few goals.  Just couldn’t finish the play.

I have to go down and clean up the starts on the ice…so, I won’t be able to finish updating this period.  When I get back, I will be on it again.

The Amerks had a five-on-three opportunity…Matthias had a beautiful shot but, it was robbed by Monsters’ goaltender Jason Bacashihua.  Matthias is really getting some good clean passes to his teammates today.  Much more crisp than before his stint in the NHL.

3rd period is underway.  Brodeur got plowed over by some Monster ogre.  No call made.  Helen Keller doesn’t make a very good ref out here on the ice.

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Amerks vs Lake Erie Monsters (LIVE Coverage)

Tomorrow night the Amerks take on the Lake Erie Monsters for the second time in two weeks.  They really need to, once again, get a solid win against the Monsters.  The Amerks are actually starting to catch up to them in the rankings and a win tomorrow could mean the task is easier than expected.

The Monsters are the team directly above the Amerks in the standings.  They have 24 points and the Amerks have 16.  One game against a division rival can mean 4 points in the standings very quickly.

The Amerks are working hard at practice again today.  The defensemen are looking really solid.  You can see the difference in Shawn Matthias.  He is far more confident in himself (at least in the practices I have seen him in so far), and he is moving against defensemen much better.

Repik is looking solid as well.  And when they are on the same line, it seems no defensemen has a chance against them.

Greg Classen is still not on the ice for the Amerks, so don’t be thinking you’ll see him in the lineup tomorrow night.  Because you won’t.  He has only been in one practice.  He will need about a week of them to be in game shape after a break like he is having.

Michael Duco just took a puck to the leg, but he doesn’t seem to care.  Just a little flinch and he was on his way again.  No whining from him…ever.  This kid is like a wall in front of the net.  He may be shorter than a lot of the guys on the team, but there is no one I would rather see in front of the goalie.  He knows exactly what he is doing there and he is very hard to move.

Randall Gelech actually asks the coach questions.  That’s nice to see instead of what the kids usually do…don’t know what’s going on and get yelled at for it five minutes later.

Benoit is not allowing even the smallest mistake today.  Lines are doing things completely over if they can’t get it right.  Even a few months into the season, I can’t believe this is the work ethic of our team.  I was so used to seeing practices that my then 3 year-old son could do without breaking a sweat, that when I come to these it still shocks me a little bit that these guys are so hard working.

The ones who are here that were here last season (Stefan Meyer, Kenndal McArdle, Tanner Glass, and David Brine mostly) weren’t the players who were the problem with last year’s team.  And let’s get serious…the coaching was a joke last year.  The guys were playing games half the time and not working on any of the problems.  Cunneyworth had given up on them from day one…the only reason he cared at all about the team was so he could get a job in the NHL.

I digress.

Mike Brodeur will be starting in goal tomorrow night.  This is no shock to anyone.  He is on an extreemly hot streak and he needs to be rode until the wheels fall off.  This weekend isn’t a togh travel weekend or anything like that.  A game Friday, day off Saturday, game Sunday.  He should play both and most likely will play the first game back from Christmas break as well.

The lines they are working with today look like this:

Repik - Sprukts - Matthias
Stewart - Brine - Collins
Duco - Glass - Emmerson
Gelech - Larman - Meyer

Caruso - Henry
Garrison - MacDonald
Aston - Ellerby

I kind of like Riley Emmerson being played on regular shifts with Tanner Glass and Mike Duco.  The first reason of course being that an all out brawl could break out at any time.  And I love brawls.  The second being that every game Riley improves his game, gets a bit faster and shows he can be a “real” hockey player.

At the library on Tuesday night, you can tell how happy he really is to be a part of this team.  And he is thrilled to be able to really contribute and to be on a line with Tanner Glass.  I have a gut feeling he is going to score his first goal soon.  And when he does, I hope there is as much noise for him as there was when Brodeur got his first star on Sunday night.

It’s always great when a guy like Riley Emmerson can contribute more than one minute in ice time and a fight.  Look at Mirasty on Sunday, he was completely useless in every sense.  Once Riley made it clear he wasn’t going to fight him, he had nothing to do and was benched the rest of the game.

Emmerson has taken one minor penalty this year.  Only one.  Besides that, every penalty minute is for a fighting major.  He may be on the slow side, but he is working on that.  Riley…you have a fan in me now.

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Amerks Need To Beat Lake Erie

After a well-deserved two day break, the Amerks are back on the ice today with a few additions.  Shawn Matthias and Michal Repik are back from their call-ups to the Florida Panthers.  They had great chemistry when playing together in Florida, I would like to see that transfer to the AHL.

One major piece missing from the puzzle today is Noah Welch who went back to Florida after the game on Sunday night.  His conditioning stint in Rochester is over and we will miss him.  Rory Fitzpatrick is also not skating.  As earlier reported, he is out after having a surgery to repair his meniscus.  He is, however, up and walking around.  And it was said that he should return for Christmas.

It’s interesting to watch the players shoot on both Mike Brodeur and Chris Beckford-Tseu.  Brodeur doesn’t let anything in, even during practice.  He looks like he has belonged here in Rochester his whole life.  Beckford-Tseu is looking…well, like Beckford Tseu.  He stops some good ones, he lets some in.  Hopefully, having a real number one goaltender will help Chris get better.

Mike said that he is actively seeking a contract here in Rochester.  He wants to get it out of the way so he doesn’t have to worry about what is going to happen to him after the PTO is over.

In case you’re wondering why Riley Emmerson didn’t fight Jon Mirasty during Sunday’s game.  Last night at the library, Riley told us that he wanted to fight Mirasty really bad but, he couldn’t give the Crunch the spark they needed to get back into the game.  Which is what I said on Sunday when everyone was yelling for him to fight.

Well, the guys didn’t seem like they wanted to practice hard today…so, it was time for them to do sprints and pushups at center ice.  After that, they are working hard again.  Having two days off hasn’t gotten them very mentally prepared for this week’s practices and games.  Once asked if they want to practice for 40 more minutes or just skate for 40 minutes, they got back to business.

Repik and Matthias just came up the wings on Broduer, beautiful pass by Shawn to Repik for the goal.  Even the seemingly impenetrable Mike Broduer couldn’t get a hand on that one.  I really want to see these two on a mine together on Friday night.  They really had things going in Florida.  They were constantly on good drives when they were on the ice, they are both quick and they both have a great sense when it comes to what is going on on the ice.

Keaton Ellerby looks like a shell of his usual self.  He is slow, sweating a lot more than usual.  He really just looks like death on skates.  Looks like all his two days off gave him was the flu.  Get well soon Keaton, we need you on the ice healthy on Friday.

As usual, Jason Garrison is the last person on the ice working.  He always stays as long as the team will allow him to work on whatever he feels he needs to.

The Amerks next game is on Friday against the Lake Erie Monsters.  Puck drops at 7:35 pm.

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Back To The Grind: Practice 12-17-2008

The Amerks finally snapped a 13 game losing streak against thruway rivals Syracuse Crunch by shutting them out 1-0 at Blue Cross Arena.  It was yet another game of stellar goaltending from Mike Brodeur who is now 4-2-0 since joining the team, this being his second shut-out.  Mike Brodeur was the first star of the game and also the first star of the day in the American Hockey League with 30 saves on the night.

Kenndal McCardle scored the only goal for the Amerks at 7:47 of the first period.  The play started when Jacob Micflikier shot the puck from the face off circle, Stefan Meyer grabbed the rebound and put it back on the net where McCardle was able to put it away for his fifth of the season.

The Crunch had some decent scoring opportunities, especially in the third period.  Derek MacKenzie had a great chance when he took the puck in almost all alone when the Crunch were short handed in the third period, Brodeur made the save but Peter Aston and Noah Welch also showed great hustle getting back and slowing him down.  Maksim Mayorov had another great chance after he received an excellent cross ice pass and had a wide open net, but he clanked it off the post instead.

Up until recently plays like that would’ve found the net no problem and had the Amerks playing catch up.  Tonight it was a combination of the Amerks playing urgency and found a way to win along with the Syracuse Crunch being in a slump.  In the past 10 games the Crunch are 2-8, the Amerks in their past 10 are 5-4-0-1.

So while the Crunch are in a slide, the Amerks confidence has risen.

Why has their confidence risen?  Mike Brodeur.  Plain and simple.  Benoit Groulx reinforced that after the game stating, “confidence is back in this group, we’ve been through so many bad things since day one and to me most of it is goaltending.”

The plan all weekend had been to play Brodeur twice and Chris Beckford-Tseu once, but Groulx stated that after Saturday nights game against Lake Erie it was obvious Brodeur was getting another start.   Groulx said, “we did n0t want to break the team chemistry, he will also have the next start.”  That next start will be Friday December 19th against the Lake Erie Monsters at Blue Cross Arena.

Everyone is playing better hockey, including tough guy Riley Emmerson.  While the Crunch tough guy Jon Mirasty was riding the bench for most of the game, Riley Emmerson was getting regular shifts on the ice and making plays as well.  Mirasty did try to get Emmerson to square off in the second period but Emmerson was told to not take part and for good reason.. the Amerks were up 1-0 and the last thing they wanted to do was put any possible energy to the advantage of the Crunch from a fight.

Groulx stated, “he has been using his body more and more, we know skating isn’t one of his assets, we want to use him as an enforcer but a hockey player as well.  He’s been good, did not turn the puck over once.”

Another difference is that the team is getting shots through to the opposing goaltender.  Keaton Ellerby and Jordan Henry were the only two Amerks players to not have a shot on goal tonight.. with everyone contributing good things are bound to happen, and they are.

For the second night in a row the Amerks penalty killing unit was able to hold off a five on three, this time during the second period.  Randall Gelech was already serving a bench minor for too many men on the ice when Drew Larman was called for a hooking penalty.  Just as the team seems to have gotten past shooting the puck over the glass for delay of game penalties this is the second time in as many games they’ve been called for too many men, let’s hope this isn’t a new routine forming.

The announced attendance was 2,486 but the crowd was probably about half that size.  People have probably been staying away from games due to the losing record, but in case you haven’t noticed things have turned around.  Let your friends and family know, the season is turning around.  I won’t get too far ahead of ourselves, but at this pace we’ll be climbing out of last place in the league and letting someone else hold the prestigious role.

The Amerks will have a much deserved day off tomorrow after a grueling seven game in ten day stretch, four of those days involved traveling to and from Texas.

- After the game Noah Welch packed his bags to head back to Florida.  He said their was no chance his conditioning stint could be extended.

- Frank MacDonald sat out his second game in a row with a swollen ankle.

- Tanner Glass played his first game back and had three shots on goal.  He said Matthias and Repik are doing great in Florida.

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Amerks Led By Brodeur Shut-Out the Crunch

Only 13 seconds into the game, Stefan Meyer took on Nathan Smith of the Lake Erie Monsters.

Mike Caruso just gave the puck away right next to the net.  Lucky, Brodeur was ready and stopped the puck before anything bad could happen.  A breakaway was stopped by Keaton Ellerby…but, he also got called for hooking. 

Nice job by McArdle, followed his man stride for stride and stole the puck to send it down the ice.  David Brine is showing a great forecheck on the penalty kill.

Brodeur was way too far out of the net, which allowed Mike Vernace behind the net to pass to Chris Durn, who was skating in untouched and easily put it into an open net.

Second period, more of the same.. Amerks take it.. spin it off the boards behind the net and unable to set a play up to take a quality shot.  Or, bring it in and take a shot.. it bounces off an opposing player and they bring it back for a two on two.

Amerks finally get a bounce.. Larman took a shot and everyone was heading to the front of the net, it trickled past Monster’s goaltender, Jason acashihua, and Mike Duco slipped in behind the goalie and put it in at 11:30 of the 2nd period.

Mike Duco and Mark McCutcheon dropped the gloves, Duco got a few great upper cuts in.  Best part about it was the Lake Erie feed showing things such as biff, kapow, boink - like an old Batman show.

Peter Aston kept the puck in three times on a great effort by the Amerks.  They kept the puck in for about a minute straight.

1:48 left in the second, great shot by Sprukts.  McArdle almost had the rebound but, the Monsters were a little too quick.

Kiss Cam came around to the the bench, as it always does…Keaton Ellerby and Jordan Henry were shown.  Keaton gave Jordan a knowing glance and a little smirk.  No kiss came from it.  Too bad I guess.

On the board for the Monsters they had this to say to their fans, “No worries Monster fans, the Amerks only average 1.96 goals per game.”

Killed off a 5-3, followed by 5-4 for another minute that they were able to kill off… great penalty killing by Sprukts and Aston in clearing the puck.

Amerks going on a PP after Garrison was hauled down by the Monsters as he split the defense.  Meyer Sprukts Micflikier Duco and Garrison on the power play.

Micflikier scores his 2nd of the season at 7:52 of the 3rd assisted by Garrison and Sprukts.

8:59 of the third the Amerks have another power play opportunity.. same PP line on the ice which is working out well putting Sprukts on the point with Garrison.  The team actually seems to be using a system tonight as they’ve had some puck movement on the power play.

David Brine awesome wrist shot puts the Amerks up 3-1 at 11:05 of the third period and his 2nd of the season.  Assisted by Welch and McCardle but it was all Brine.  He held the puck for a good two seconds before releasing the shot.

After staying out of the penalty box for most of the game the Monsters have given the Amerks their third power play of the third period.  They seem to be losing their cool and getting frustrated at losing against the Amerks again.  Another penalty by the Monsters is giving the Amerks a 5-3 advantage for a full two minutes.

Mueler was trying to skate past Sprukts for a short handed breakaway attempt but while doing so he pulled down Sprukts.

Kenndal McArdle blocked a shot in the final seconds with his ankle.  He seems to be favoring it a bit.  But, he is putting pressure on it.

Three Stars of the Game:
3. Chris Durno - One Goal
2. Mike Brodeur - 21 Saves
1. Jacob MicFlikier - Game Winning Goal

The Amerks didn’t look tired tonight and they didn’t take for granted that they have already beat the Monsters this season.  Come down and watch the Amerks take on the depleted Syracuse Crunch.  The game starts at 6:05 pm.

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Amerks Scare the Monsters In Cleveland