March 31, 2021
Rochester N.Y.-- The Rochester Americans took a heavy loss to the Cleveland Monsters on Wednesday by a score of 5-1. This was the Amerks' only second game after returning from an extended break due to COVID protocols surrounding the Utica Comets.
The Americans could not get off to a good start as slow play and turnovers led to the Monsters tallying two goals in the first period. These two goal would stand through the second period as the only tallies to that point.
The second period saw very little action with no goals on either side being scored. However, the period was highlighted by Rochester's Dalton Smith and his tilt with Cleveland's Evan Polei.
The third period saw an explosion of action for Cleveland as they would add 2 more goals in the first half of the period. The Amerks would answer late in the period as Micheal Mersch was able to break the shutout by ripping a puck by goaltender Brad Thiessen. Cleveland would eventually add another late goal to seal the win.
Amerks' Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen had a rough outing stopping only 24 of 29 shots faced in his first start in nearly 3 weeks. This caused by injuries and the Sabres trading Jonas Johansson to Colorado. the NHL rules saying that every team needs to have two goaltenders dressed and another on the taxi squad.
UPL and the Rochester Americans will be back in action on Friday as they host the Syracuse Crunch for a 7:05 pm puck drop.
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