Rochester has not lost in regulation since March 16th and are in second place in the AHL North
The Rochester Americans have been surging in the race for playoff positioning in the American Hockey League’s North Division. After a regulation loss to the Toronto Marlies on March 16, the Amerks were fighting to stay out of fourth place and a play-in three-game series. Since then they have gone 7-0-1 and are one point behind Syracuse for top spot in the division.
"We're not focused on (the standings) I said it to him yesterday at the end of practice, we've been playing playoff hockey for 21 games." Rochester head coach Seth Appert said after a 6-1 win over Cleveland on April 3. "We've played really good by focusing on what we can control and not be worried about the standings. Now that we're close to some other team, and people are saying 'we can do this or that', now's not the time to start worrying about (that)."
The Amerks got goalie Devon Levi back from the parent Sabres last week, and it is expected that the 22-year-old will get the majority of the workload when the postseason begins later this month. While no other Sabres players are eligible to join Rochester after the NHL season is over, prospects playing in Europe or the CHL could be available to them at some point.
2023 second-rounder Anton Wahlberg came to North America after his SHL club’s season ended and in four games, the big center has three points. Vaxjo is currently trailing 2-0 in the SHL Semi-Finals to Rogle and if eliminated, 2022 first-rounder Noah Ostlund could join the Amerks as he did last spring. The 20-year-old just observed and did not play in Rochester’s run to the Calder Cup Eastern Conference Final, but may get a chance this time around.
2022 top pick Matthew Savoie had a taste of postseason hockey last May, playing two games for the Amerks, and also played in the AHL on a conditioning stint in October before being sent back to the WHL. Savoie’s Moose Jaw Warriors swept Brandon in the first round of the WHL Playoffs and a run to the Memorial Cup would make him unavailable until deep in the Calder Cup Playoffs.
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