ROCHESTER, N.Y. – It was a St. Patrick’s Day celebration at Blue Cross Arena Friday night between the Rochester Americans and Toronto Marlies. An odd start to the game led to the Marlies scoring less than 30 seconds into the game, but the Amerks would prevail and win 5-3.
Logan Shaw got his 23rd goal of the season for the Marlies 24 seconds into the game. Mason Jobst responded for the Amerks six minutes later, and the big man Nikita Novikov got his second of the season shortly before the first intermission.
A stale second period produced zero penalties, and led to both teams scoring in the last minute. Jiri Kulich, who has struggled to produce goals lately, broke through and got his 18th of the season. Roni Hirvonen scored for the Marlies 20 seconds after the goal from the Amerks.
An exciting third period started with a goal from Isak Rosen, set-up from his teammates Kulich, and Riley Stillman. Later in the period, Viktor Neuchev scored a beautiful goal by weaving through the Marlies defense – his ninth of the season. The Marlies seemed to be looking for a fight all night, and would get one from Mason Jobst, dropping the gloves with William Villeneuve. Scoring was finished by Josiah Slavin of the Marlies, with only seven seconds left in the game. However, the Amerks would still come out on top.
Devon Levi had a big night for the Amerks, stopping 41 of 44 shots faced. Dennis Hildeby stopped 20 of 25 shots faced for the Marlies. These teams will have a re-match today in Toronto.
Check out this photo gallery from Inside The Rink’s Brett Ballachino, who was there to capture the action.
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