Rochester Americans Split Preseason Series


Marc DesRosiers – US PRESSWIRE

The Rochester Americans came out of Friday’s preseason finale with a shootout win, earning them a split in their series with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

The Penguins won the first game of the home-and-home, besting the Amerks on their home ice 4-3 on Wednesday night. Mark Mancari had an excellent return back to Western New York, notching three assists. Rookie defenseman Mark Pysyk notched two assists. The Amerks goals were scored by Luke Adam, Phil Varone and Brayden McNabb.

In Friday’s contest at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, the Amerks were able to turn the tables and come away with the 4-3 victory. Nick Crawford led the way with two goals and the winner in the shootout. Frederick Roy also scored for the Amerks.

Cody Hodgson did everything but score in the two contests, where he also wore the captain’s “C” for the Amerks. Hodgson said the team may have been “hesistant,” but the overall chemistry will come as they are able to spend more time with each other as a team on the ice. Coach Ron Rolston agreed with this notion, saying he’s still trying to find the right mix of lines for the team.

With the regular season starting on Friday against the Syracuse Crunch, the Amerks have some decisions to make in terms of their final roster. The first game will be an excellent test as the Crunch have inherited the Calder Cup Champion Norfolk Admirals’ roster from last season due to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s change of affiliates in the offseason.

Friday’s game will be played at Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, with puck drop at 7:05.