By Warren Kozireski —
It was 74 days since the last time the Rochester Americans heard the foghorn blow after a home win and it came just in time—the final game of the season. Buffalo native Dylan Blujus and Brendan Warren scored and Michael Houser made 28 saves in a 2-1 victory over Utica.
Blujus began the scoring in the first period as Rochester took advantage of the Utica goaltender playing without a stick for an extended period of time. His slapshot from the right point after a pass from Michael Mersch staked the Amerks to a 1-0 lead at 17:06.
It marked his first goal of the season.In the second period, Warren banged home a rebound to extend the lead to 2-0 at 2:10 with Blujus and Brent Warren assisting.That stood up until Utica pulled their goaltender with sustained pressure and was awarded a penalty shot when an Amerk covered the puck in the crease and Sam Anas ruined the shutout bid with a goal with 37 seconds remaining in regulation.
“I think I waited 20 games to get on the scoresheet, but it’s been a short year but a long year with everything that’s going on but it’s good to celebrate in the locker room after a win,” Blujus said. “It kind of stinks not having the extra motivation not playing for the Calder Cup, but you’re competing for jobs so there is a lot of motivation. Every day is a tryout.”
Rochester dressed 36 different players over their 29 games including 11 rookies. 13 in total were called up to Buffalo.
“I really love this group and I love what they have stood for,” Rochester head coach Seth Appert said. “These guys loved playing for each other, loved playing for each other and loved playing in Rochester. We have so many of our guys that have improved so much that they got to go up to Buffalo.”
Rochester finished with an 11-15-2-1 record and a .431 winning percentage—their first season below .500 since the 2016-17 campaign.
