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Rochester Moves to 7-0 After Late Comeback Over Grand Rapids
Late Goal Stuns Griffins...
By Jason Kasiorek
www.griffinscentral.com
The Rochester Americans fought their way back from a 2-0 deficit scoring the eventual game winner with 10.1 seconds on the clock. The comeback spoiled rookie center Evan McGrath's first professional goal which for awhile looked to be the gamewinner for Grand Rapids. Josh Langfeld and Kip Miller had the Griffins other goals in the 4-3 loss.
The Griffins continued their first period dominance scoring the games first goal less than a minute in. Matt Ellis had a couple of pokes at the puck in front of the net before snared the rebound and lifted it past Dennis, stick-side, for a powerplay goal. Rochester almost tied it a few minutes later, but Howard made a great stop on a partial breakaway. Ellis had another good chance right on the doorstep, but couldn't get the puck in. Just under 8 minutes in, Dennis knocked down a Naumenko drive from the point that trickled through and lay in the crease. Miller streaked in and poked it over the line for a 2 goal lead. McGrath nearly made it 3-0 when he made a nifty move and rang a shot off the bar. Shots on Goal GR 17 - Rochester 6.
The Griffins were on the attack again early in the second period, with several good chances on Dennis. A pair of penalties to Naumenko and Quincey created a 5-on-3 advantage for Rochester, opening the door for them to get back into the game. Grand Rapids killed off the first penalty, but just as Naumenko left the box, Larmen took a pass from the point and blew it by Howard - back door. Less than a minute later Larmen broke in on net and fired a bad angle shot, picking the opposite corner, high glove side on Howard to tie the game. The Americans smelled blood and started attacking the net trying to get a third one past Howard. Jimmy stood tall making several great saves, including a full on breakaway.
Matt Ellis had a goal called back because it was determined he had kicked it in. The puck definitly went in off him, but it didn't look like he deliberately kicked it. GR had another great opportunity late in the period, a great individual effort by McGrath. He was pinned along the boards and came out with the puck, made a sweet move and had a great scoring chance. Shots on goal GR 12 - Rochester 8.
Early in the third McGrath got the puck from Bootland in the circle and snapped a high shot past Dennis for his first Professional goal. Booter and Kolanos mobbed him, knocking him down in celebration and piling on. Howard stood tall to withstand the Americans counter-attack until just past the 12 minute mark when Macari fired a shot through traffic that changed direction and pinballed past a surprised Howard to tie the game at 3. The intensity level continued to climb as both side pressed for the gamewinner. Captain Matt Ellis was called for a questionable hooking call late in the game, setting up the last Rochester Powerplay. Macarthur walked out of the corner with 10.1 seconds left and snapped a quick shot by Howard stick side for the game winner. Shots on goal GR 6 - Rochester 8. For the Game GR 35 - Rochester 22.
Lines:
Hussey - Ellis - Barney
Goulet - McGrath - Bootland
Kolanos - Himelfarb/McGrath - Brooks
Goulet - Miller - Langfeld
Pairings:
Syvret - Smith
Quincey - Meech
Ericsson - Naumenko
Starter: Howard
Backup: Liv
Scratches:
Radunske
Keller
Oulahen
Beckett
Galvin
PP:
Miller - Ellis/McGrath - Langfeld
Syvret - Quincey
Barney - Himelfarb - Bootland
Meech - Smith
PK:
Ellis - Langfeld
Smith - Meech
Miller/Hussey - Bootland
Quincey - Ericsson
Himelfarb - Brooks
Three Stars:
3 GR Miller
2 Roc Larman
1 Roc MacArthur
Observations:
Danny Syvret really stood out tonight, making several great defensive plays to break up scoring chances.
Evan McGrath had another strong night, and really looks to be getting comfortable. It was nice to see him rewarded with his first goal.
Kyle Quincey played well, standing up forwards at the blueline, and challenging skaters to beat him. His quiet physical defensive style is a key to the teams penalty killing.
Derek Meech is playing with a lot of confidence, and played as well I've ever seen him play defensively. He has come a long way since last season, and could be auditioning for a look at the next level.
Matt Ellis was all over the ice tonight, creating several scoring chances, and was a monster around the net.
Click here for the Official Scoresheet.
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