1 week Ago By The Hockey News - Buffalo Sabres
The Rochester Americans have taken one step closer to avenging their first-round loss to the Syracuse Crunch one year ago, as the Amerks followed up a series-opening 3-2 victory in Game 1 on Friday with a 4-0 victory in Game 2 at Blue Cross Arena on Sunday afternoon. Devon Levi made 35 saves for the shutout, as Rochester took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series. Veteran blueliner Kale Clague followed up his game-winning tally in Game 1 with a goal and two assists on Sunday, while Buffalo Sabres first-rounders Konsta Helenius, Jiri Kulich, and Isak Rosen accounted for the Amerks other goals.
After falling behind 2-0 on Friday, Rochester has scored seven straight to take a commanding lead in the series. Other Sabres Stories Is Peterka In Prime Position For Big Payday? Sabres Ownership Ranked Worst In NHL By Survey In The Athletic Dahlin Refutes Assertion Of Wanting Out Of Buffalo Levi will be a key figure in Rochester’s Calder Cup Playoff hopes, after going 25-13-4, with a 2.20 GAA and .
919 save % this season, and his performance in the post-season could be a factor in swaying the management of the NHL Sabres that he is ready to challenge starter Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen for playing time next season. In spite of GM Kevyn Adams and head coach Lindy Ruff stating they had confidence in the 26-year-old after a subpar outing this season, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman indicated earlier this month that Buffalo may be open to moving Luukkonen this summer. Defenseman Vsevolod Komarov left the game in the second period after being injured during a fight with the Crunch’s Jack Finley.
The series shifts to Syracuse for Game 3 on Thursday, where the Crunch face elimination. Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo.
