ROCHESTER, N.Y. – What was a tightly contested first two periods, led to a dominant third period win for the Belleville Senators over the home team, Rochester Americans. The Senators closed the score out at 6-3. The night would still be a victory for the Amerks, as they clinched their spot in the playoffs.
The Amerks started the period flat footed. Zach Ostapchuk of the Senators scored on the power play halfway through the first. Nikolas Matinpalo scored 23 seconds later for the Senators. Brendan Warren and Donovan Sebrango dropped the mitts and both received fighting majors.
The second period was hosted by a rejuvenated Amerks team. Graham Slagggert scored 35 seconds into the period. The Senators gave up two penalties, leaving them shorthanded for a 5-3 power play for the Amerks. Mason Jobst found the back of the net on the power play, and evened up the score. Brandon Biro got the primary assist on both goals.
Two minutes into the third Nikolas Matinpalo scored again for the Sens. Two minutes after that, Josh Currie scored again for the Sens, this time on the power play. Newcomer to the Amerks squad, Anton Wahlberg, served two penalties that resulted in goals for the Sens. Tyler Kleven scored an empty net for the Sens in the remaining minutes. However, the Amerks were able to respond with a goal from Justin Richards. But this wouldn’t be enough, as the Sens got another empty net goal with two seconds left in the game.
Devon Levi saved 18 of 22 shots faced – he received a lot of net-front traffic throughout the night. Mads Sogaard had an outstanding night for the Sens and stopped 38 of 41 shots faced.
Checkout out this photo gallery from Inside The Rink’s photographer, Brett Ballachino.
