Rochester Americans win first playoff series since 2005

Mat Mlodzinski

BELLEVILLE, ONTARIO (WHEC) — The Rochester Americans are headed to the North Division semifinals after a 2-0 series win over the Belleville Senators.

Both games ended the same way – Rochester game-winners in overtime with 4-3 final scores. On Friday it was Brett Murray getting loose for the score.

Wednesday’s hero, Arttu Ruotsalainen, played off his momentum, scoring twice to lead the Americans in that department. Sean Malone was on the assisting end of both of Ruotsalainen’s goals.

Murray’s goal was the first of his Calder Cup Playoffs career.

Friday’s win also gives Rochester its first playoff series win since 2005 when they swept Hamilton, 4-0.

Next up, they’ll face Utica, a team the Americans cruised past 8-1 to help clinch the playoff berth. The series dates, times, and locations are as follows:

  • Game 1: Tuesday, May 10 in Utica (7 p.m.)
  • Game 2: Saturday, May 14 in Utica (7 p.m.)
  • Game 3: Sunday, May 15 in Rochester (5:05 p.m.)
  • *Game 4: Tuesday, May 17 in Rochester (7:05 p.m.)
  • *Game 5: Thursday, May 19 in Utica (7 p.m.)

*If necessary

Tickets for the home game in Rochester will go on sale Monday, May 9 at 10 a.m.