Amerks have chance to bounce Belleville from Calder Cup Playoffs

BELLEVILLE, ONTARIO (WHEC) — The Rochester Americans can close out thier opening round series on Friday at 7 p.m. against Belleville at CAA Arena.

Game one of the North Division first round went to the Amerks, but not before a comeback that saw Rochester score four unanswered goals after falling behind 3-0.

After one day off, the two teams head up to Ontario for game two. If the Americans win on Friday, they’ll advance to play Utica in the North Division semifinals. A Belleville win forces a series-deciding game three, also in Belleville on Sunday.

"One of the hardest things to do is end a team’s season," said Aaron Dell, who will again start in goal for Rochester. "We know they’re going to have a push early and it’s a big important game for them too. They’re trying to hang on to their lives right now.

An Americans win would mark the first time they’ve won a series in the Calder Cup Playoffs since 2005 when they swept Hamilton, 4-0.