AMERKS REPORT CARD FOR MONTH OF MARCH
Apr 1, 2023The Rochester Americans spent the month in a big march to the playoffs… Literally. Sitting in a three-way tie for second place in the North Division as they head into the second half of a back-to-back with the Utica Comets, a playoff bid is in sight for the Amerks.
After a slow start to the month, the Amerks have points in eight of their last nine games, finishing with a 6-5-2-2 record on the month. It was a stressful month of hockey, with five of the last eight games going to a shootout.
Both Malcolm Subban and Michael Houser have recorded shootout wins, including two-straight for the Housecat.
EVERY POINT MATTERS
When you’re in the middle of a playoff push, you’ll take points any way you can get them, and in the month of March, the Amerks had to stage a few comebacks. In two-straight Friday night match-ups, the Amerks found themselves trailing 3-0 heading before fighting their way back: against Hershey on March 24 and against Utica on March 31.
The Amerks won both games in the shootout.
These close games, and especially the comebacks, has really cultivated the culture in the Rochester locker room, according to Amerks head coach Seth Appert.
“I believe that it happens on shared adversity, and not giving up on yourselves and on each other during that adversity,” Appert said. “You go through very hard things, and you stay true to each other.”
The Amerks’ magic number to clinch a Calder Cup Playoff berth now sits at seven.
PENALTY KILL HOLDS STRONG
The penalty kill has looked solid for a few months, but it was prominently on display throughout the month of March. The Amerks killed 42 of 48 penalties during the month. There were nine games where the Amerks held their opponents scoreless on the power play.
The Rochester PK unit is 80.9% successful on the season so far, and Appert was quick to applaud Amerks assistant coach Mike Wber and the job he’s done with the penalty kill. He’s also impressed with the growth of the team defense as a whole.
“We’re just far more committed to playing the game the right way as a group than we were three months ago,” Appert explained. “We’re making less casual, immature decisions with the puck and therefore our team defense has been better.”
MASON JOBST IS FLYING
“He’s been unbelievable,” forward Brett Murray said of linemate Mason Jobst. And Appert agreed: Jobst played really well in March, but it’s probably been even longer than that.
Jobst tallied six goals and added six assists this month, but for the team, he’s added more than just points on the ice. He’s all over the penalty kill, he’s drawing penalties, and he’s delivered in the shootout.
“His will, his competitiveness, has just been fabulous,” Appert said. And Jobst’s dynamic play has also benefitted his linemates, Murray and Michael Mersch. Appert explained that Mersch plays better with predictable players, because he is also a predictable player.
Playing with Murray and Mersch has added more ice time for Jobst, who has embraced the bigger role. “I think it’s just confidence… playing big minutes. When you have a role like that, you get into the flow of the game, and you’re just reacting instead of thinking what to do,” Jobst said.
MURRAY + KULICH KEEP SCORING
Murray might be benefitting from his linemates, but he’s also having a career-year of his own. Murray has career-highs across the board, with 21 goals, 24 assists, and 45 points so far this season.
He’s really been a beast in front of the net for the Amerks, and recorded 15 points (10+5) throughout the month of March.
It seems like every time Murray scores, Jiri Kulich does too. The two have been trading the goal-scoring lead for Rochester the last few games, and it’s definitely fun to watch.
Kulich currently leads the Rochester roster with 22 goals, and he’s tacked on 20 assists, too. He ranks seventh in goals from rookies across the league.
BILLS DAY DELIVERS
There were many exciting games throughout the month of March, but the atmosphere at Bills Day on Sunday, March 26, was absolutely electric. The Amerks got the 5-2 win for the 7,761-strong home crowd.
And the jerseys. Let’s talk about the jerseys! The Amerks wore full color rush jerseys, which really brought the gridiron to the rink at Blue Cross Arena. Goaltenders Malcolm Subban and Michael Houser both also wore custom-designed Bills Day masks, which garnered national attention.
The game-issued jerseys and goalie masks, as well as player-autographed pucks and coaches ties, designed by kiddos at UR Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital. And thanks to the generosity of Amerks fans, the auction raised almost $34,000 for UR Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital.
It was truly a game to remember!
COMING UP IN APRIL
The Amerks, amid the playoff push, have three home games in the month of April, starting on Saturday night. It’s Rochester Red Wings Night, presented by the American Diabetes Association | Camp Aspire, at Blue Cross Arena!
The Amerks will once again don specialty jerseys: this time, reminiscent of old-school Red Wings jerseys. The game-issued Red Wings Night jerseys are up for auction now, with proceeds benefitting the American Diabetes Association | Camp Aspire.
Buy some peanuts and cracker jack because you don’t want to miss this game.
The Amerks host the Crunch on Wednesday, April 5, and then head on the road for the weekend to Syracuse and Utica. Rochester returns home for two games and Fan Appreciation Weekend, including their second-annual ROC the Rink game on Saturday, April 15.
The squad will take the ice in specialty ROC the Rink jerseys, which will be up for auction the week of the game, but more exciting: a few lucky fans at the game will receive a game-issued jersey at the game! It’s just one of many fun Fan Appreciation activations you’ll see throughout the month.
Amerks fans will also see the debut of the Collectors Pack trading card set, presented by The UPS Store. Fans have voted all season long on photos to commemorate various moments throughout the season, and those photos will all appear on custom trading cards! The Collectors Pack will be available for purchase.