Buffalo Sabres AHL affiliate overcoming adversity in Calder Cup Playoffs

The Buffalo Sabres AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans, are overcoming adversity throughout the Calder Cup Playoffs heading into the Division Final. 

The Buffalo Sabres are getting a long look at their AHL affiliates in the Calder Cup Playoffs. But they are getting more than just extended action from the likes of Peyton Krebs, Casey Fitzgerald, Jack Quinn, and J.J. Peterka.

They got to be impressed with the way the Rochester Americans have handled adversity not just this season, but throughout the playoffs. Rochester snuck their way into the big dance when they appeared to be all but eliminated. But we all found out that was just the tip of adversity’s iceberg.

Buffalo Sabres AHL affiliate continues to overcome adversity

Bill Hoppe of Buffalo Hockey Beat reported yesterday that some of the Americans adversity stems from dealing with injuries to would-be key players like Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Mattias Samuelsson. Both of whom you can expect to play a full season in blue and gold next year.

This past Thursday, the Amerks upset the Utica Comets to break into the North Division Final. And they did so without captain, Michael Mersch. Mersch was a major contributor this season, putting up 26 goals.

Arttu Ruotsalainen has been the team’s top player throughout the playoffs in what many believe to be the Finnish star’s final season in North America. Lukas Rousek has enjoyed unsung hero status, With six points in seven playoff games, Rousek has scored more in the postseason than he did in 19 regular season appearances.

Speaking of unsung heroes, we cannot forget to mention Nick Boka and Ben Holmstrom. The duo were healthy scratches until last Thursday’s series-clinching victory. But Holmstrom’s ability to win face-offs kept the puck in the Amerks possession. Boka drew a slashing penalty from Utica’s Tyce Thompson, which ended with Ruotsalainen’s power play goal that knotted the game at two.

Adversity and obstacles have defined the Amerks season. Now, they have a chance to continue that trend as they face-off with the mighty Laval Rocket.

(Statistics provided by theAHL.com)