The Cleveland Monsters visit Rochester for the first time this season even though it’s technically the second home game for the Amerks. The two teams last played on November 5 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo.

Justin Bailey and Wayne Simpson had two goal nights in that game leading the Amerks to a solid 5-2 win where they controlled the pace of play the entire 60 minutes. Zach Redmond also scored in that game.

Rochester is playing tonight to continue to prove they belong in first place and create a gap between them and Cleveland. With a home and away game against Cleveland this weekend the games have a lot on the line. Rochester could widen the gap between them to nine points, Cleveland could close the gap to within one.

The last game for the Amerks was on Wednesday when they lost 5-1 on home ice against the Binghamton Devils. The last game for the Monsters was a 4-2 last Saturday at Lehigh Valley.

Key to winning this game for Rochester is to have a hot start and don’t let off the gas. When the team plays that way they win every game as a team. Cleveland has two players to watch for – Zac Dalpe and Nathan Gerbe. Keep them off the scoreboard and chances improve on winning.

Scott Wedgewood will play in his first game since December 1st. He has been up with Buffalo and also sat out a game with Jonas Johansson getting playing time. Andrew MacWilliam will be out of the lineup after a minus-4 game on Wednesday night. Brandon Hickey will play. Tyler Randell is the offensive scratch. Dalton Smith returns after a one game suspension.

Goalie Jean-Francois Berube skated off the ice first for Cleveland after their morning skate.

For more about recent games here’s a recap of the last five games.

7:05pm puck drop at Blue Cross Arena in Rochester. Visit Amerks.com for tickets and promotions.

Still called up with Buffalo:

• Lawrence Pilut
• Matt Tennyson

Injured:

• Kevin Porter – Lower body – week to week – Looked like a possible knee on knee hit halfway through the 3rd period vs Providence on 12/7. Played half a shift on 12/7 after the hit, didn’t return, didn’t play on 12/8. Hasn’t practiced since.
• Andrew Oglevie – Concussion – indefinite – Occurred during the game on 11/30.
• Kyle Criscuolo – Lower body – week to week – Blocked a shot in the 2nd period on 10/26 and didn’t return to the game. Out of the game on 10/27. Returned to practice 11/8. Left practice early on 11/14. Did not travel with the team on the 3 in 3 road trip. Hasn’t practiced with the team since 11/14. Expected to start skating again by 11/30 or first the second week of December.

Get to know more about Victor Olofsson: