It feels like we just walked out of the War Memorial but it’s already time to think about aother Rochester Americans game. They travelled to Toronto last night after the game where they’re scheduled to play the Marlies at 3pm.
Three games in three nights and by the time Sunday is over it’ll have been seven games in eleven nights. The Toronto Marlies have not played a game since last Sunday and may be a little more well rested for the game compared to the team that arrived in town around 2am.
For now though the Amerks are in first place in the North Division, one point ahead of the Toronto Marlies and Hamilton Bulldogs in the standings. Too soon to plan the parade? Probably.
Unless David Leggio wakes up sick or with a mystery injury this morning it’s guaranteed that he’ll be starting in net for the Amerks today. If you missed it yesterday check out my feature story on David Leggio.
Zack Kassian is already an early season leader amongst the top 10 rookies in the league. He’s tied for 5th in points with 6pts (3G+3A). Kassian is also 2nd in shots with 19 through six games. He didn’t have his best game on Friday night with quality scoring chances but still doing well for a rookie.
Phil Varone, Mark Voakes, Travis Turnbull, Shawn Szydlowski and Riley Boychuck are all forwards still looking to score their first goals of the season. Of those players, Varone and Voakes are centers and each only has one assist through the first six games.
The Amerks power play is 7th in the league right now with six goals in 23 man advantage opportunities. On the other side, the Toronto Marlies are perfect this season with their penalty kill in only four games played.
Right winger Jonathan Parker will be back in the lineup after serving his one game high sticking suspension. Marcus Foligno is out of the lineup today for his second of two games suspension.
Joe Colborne and Joey Crabb are two players the Amerks will need to keep a close eye on in the game today. They each have three goals and four assists in only four games played.
Michael Ryan is an unknown for the lineup and is this seasons early “mystery injury.” He’s now first three games that started as a “headache” and the only thing that Rolston has offered is that he’s injured and it’s not a concussion. One sign that’s not a concussion is that Ryan has been skating in practices and has not worn any type of “no contact” jersey.
The game will be available on AHL Live for $6.99 and also broadcast on WHTK 1280AM and 107.3FM in Rochester. With the game being in the middle of the afternoon not sure how much coverage of the game there’ll be outside of the @AmerksHockey twitter account.
Referee for today will be Jean Hebert and linesmen Matt Traub and Mike Cvik.
