Rochester Loses to Rockford

Despite getting a strong performance from goalie Tyler Plante, the Rochester Americans scored only once and came up on the short side of a 2-1 loss.

Like last year, Plante struggled in the AHL and spent the majority of his season in the ECHL, although he hasn't fared too well with the Dayton Bombers so far this season, going 6-11-1 with a save percentage at .888% and a GAA of 3.35. But Plante's time with the Amerks in the beginning of the year was far worse: 0-5, 5.10 GAA and an .850%. So it's really saying something when they opt to recall Plante instead of starting Chris Beckford-Tseu.

The decision proved to be a good one for Plante, though. He faced 33 shots and turned aside 31, one of which came off the stick of a wide-open IceHog and the other on the only shot Rockford managed during a 5-minute power play. Incidentally, Stefan Meyer made his return to the lineup. It was his boarding major that drew the lengthy disadvantage. Still, Rochester killed off 4:40 of the power play before Rockford took a penalty of their own, negating the remaining time.

Rochester's lone goal came in the final minute with Plante pulled for an extra attacker. Michal Repik picked up the goal (9) and Mike Duco and Karl Stewart tallied assists.

The Amerks have now lost five of their last six, the only win coming against a very strong Grand Rapids team due in large part to the performance of goaltender Mike Brodeur. Next up for Rochester are Saturday and Sunday games against Binghamton and San Antonio, respectively.