Amerks open up Calder Cup Playoffs at home on Wednesday

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The Rochester Americans will host the Belleville Senators in game one of a best-of-three first round series starting Wednesday at 7:05 p.m.

The Amerks clinched on the last day of the regular season, setting up a postseason date with the Senators. It’s a bit of a new feeling for both sides. It’s Rochester’s first playoff appearance since 2019 and they’ve never played Belleville in the postseason.

That last Rochester playoff berth ended in a 3-0 series loss to Toronto. You’d have to go all the way back to 2014 to find the last time the Amerks even won a game in a series, losing 3-2 to Chicago. The Amerks haven’t advanced past the first round since the 2005 season.

It’s also going to be a new goaltender for Rochester. With Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen out with a lower body injury, Aaron Dell will get the start. Dell’s bounced around the AHL and NHL, and will now be entrusted to use his veteran leadership as the Americans look to extend the season even longer.