Amerks Survive Lake Erie In Shootout

The Rochester Americans defeated the Lake Erie Monsters 2-1 in the shootout tonight at The Blue Cross Arena. The win was Rochesters third straight and its fourth in its last five games as the Amerks improved to 8-20-0-2 on the season. Mike Brodeur was again the difference- maker, stopping 31 shots during regulation and all five shots in the shootout. Michal Repik scored the loan goal in the shootout to give the Amerks a 2-1 victory. The Amerks were first to strike when Michael Duco netted his seventh goal of the season at the 16:59 mark of the first. The goal now ties the rookie forward for a share of the team lead with Stefan Meyer. Peter Aston took a slap shot from the blue line where Duco tipped the shot five-hole to beat Monsters goalie Jason Bacashihua. Also assisting on the play was Kenndal McArdle. Duco’s loan Amerk goal earned him first star honors. At the 4:00 mark of the second, Lake Erie was awarded a penalty shot but Brodeur was up to the task and stoned Tom Fritsche. Brodeur’s 31 saves earned him second star honors. The Monsters tied the game on a tic-tac-toe passing play that allowed Fritsche to beat Brodeur stick-side. Fritsche’s fifth goal of the season was assisted by Chris Mueller and Kyle Cumiskey at the 16:06 mark of the third. After having Saturday off, the Amerks close out the weekend as they host the Grand Rapids Griffins on Sunday, December 21st at The Blue Cross Arena.