By: Ryan Oleksyn
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - The Rochester Americans defeated the Clevland Monsters 4-0 yesterday. Amerks goalie Devon Levi records his fourth shutout of the season.
"There's been a few ups and downs but just trying to stay nicely keeled and not get thrown off by a bad game," Levi said.
Levi recorded his second shutout in the last 12 days. He faced 26 shots from the Monsters and looked locked in for the full 60 minutes. He improved his overall record on the season to 17-6-2-4.
"I felt like the boys played unbelievable tonight," Levi said. "I felt like the d-zone was unbelievable."
To start the contest, both squads were aggressive. Body checks were coming left and right for both teams as the tone of the game started early. The Amerks led in shots nine-to-five through the first half of the first frame. This lead in shots would not amount to any scoring for Rochester as the first period would come to a close with a score of 0-0. Rochester exited the period leading Cleveland in total shots on goal 14-to-8.
The Amerks struck first blood as they started the second period off with a bang thanks to defenseman Zachary Metsa. He sniped a wrist shot from the point into the top right corner of the cage. Defenseman Nikita Novikov and forward Josh Dunne were credited with assists. Coming into the contest, Metsa led in points amongst all Rochester defensemen with 32.
With 12:15 remaining in the second period Rochester found the back of the net once again. This time it was forward Brett Murray redirecting a pass from defenseman Ryan Johnson backdoor into the net. Johnson and forward Isak Rosén would get assists on the goal.
The second period struggles for Cleveland would continue as Rochester scored once again. Forward Noah Östlund buried a one-timer wrist shot and kept the Amerks in control with a 3-0 lead with 6:48 left in the second period.
"Yeah very fun, two great guys," Östlund said when asked about how much fun he has had playing with Murray and Rosén. "We tried to be in the offensive zone as much as possible. Tonight was a good night."
The second period would come to a close as Rochester dominated the period with three goals scored and outshot the Monsters eight-to-four. The Amerks remain ahead in total shots on goal leading Cleveland 22-to-12 after two periods.
To begin the third period, both teams struggled to create opportunities as their defenses tightened up. Cleveland began to show some life in the offensive end by creating some scoring opportunities. Rochester was able to stand tall and prevent the Monsters from scoring while being short-handed at the 10:36 mark of the third period.
With 5:39 left in the final period, Cleveland pulled their goaltender Jett Greaves to have the five-on-four advantage in an attempt to finally show some life in the offensive zone. Even with the extra attacker and a penalty against the Amerks being killed off, the Monsters gave up a short handed empty netter from Östlund with forward Mason Jobst getting an assist. At this point, Rochester had full control and led 4-0 with 4:06 remaining in the third period. The Amerks would hold on and complete the 4-0 win.
Östlund's empty netter on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2025. (@AmerksHockey on X)
With the win, the Amerks improved to 31-14-3-1 on the season. Rochester also takes sole possession of first place in the North Divison and improves their record against Cleveland this season to 6-1.
The Amerks next game is Friday as they host the Belleville Senators. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
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