Amerks move back into playoff position after shoot-out win against Thunderbirds

ROCHESTER, NY (WHEC) — Through the past week or so, the Americans have routinely echoed the obvious: every game is a must-win.

They played with that mantra tonight, taking the Springfield Thunderbirds to a shootout where Jack Quinn, JJ Peterka, and Arttu Ruotsalainen’s goals were the difference maker. It lifted Rochester to a 3-2 win.

"We went together as a team and talked about how we how we need to play at that time of the year," Peterka said after the game. "I mean, we were expecting every game to be that tight. But I think at the end of the year, if we play like that, we can, we can win every game down the stretch here."

"Everybody knows where we’re at right now," said Head Coach Seth Appert. "This is we’re in the playoffs right now. Right. So and to have that composure and poise with probably not great ice conditions in a moment that big I thought was good to see."

With it, Rochester (.563 Pts %) jumps the Toronto Marlies (.561 Pts %) for 5th place for the final playoff spot in the North Division with four games remaining.