By Warren Kozireski —
Rochester outshot visiting Belleville 22-12 over the final two periods and had five of their seven power play opportunities during the same span, but ultimately dropped a 2-1 decision Friday night to drop into sixth place out out of a playoff spot with six games remaining in the regular season.Belleville’s Viktor Lodin was awarded a penalty shot 2:43 into the game and converted his first North American professional goal and that stood up until the third period when the Senators converted a power play goal for a 2-0 lead.
The Amerks Brandon Biro scored a power play marker with six minutes remaining in regulation to close the gap, but couldn’t score the equalizer despite approximately two minutes with the extra attacker on the ice.The loss dropped Rochester percentage points behind Belleville for the fifth and final playoff spot. Division opponents Toronto and Utica also won Friday night.
“You definitely don’t wanted to be chasing,” captain Michael Mersch said. “There have been a of of ups and downs this season and we’ve been able to respond to them pretty well, so it’s all about tomorrow now and getting our mind focused on that game.Hartford will be the opponent Saturday night on home ice at 7pm. After that Rochester has home games against Springfield, Cleveland and Utica along with road tilts at Utica and Cleveland to finish the season.
