December 20, 2012
Amerks Notebook: Biega caps off crazy comeback
by Mike Repertorio/Correspondent
Alex Biega putting the finishing touch on the Amerks' magical comeback against the Monsters. (Getty Images)
On Thursday, Rochester voyaged to Lake Erie for an inter-conference clash with the Monsters.
Rochester would have to dig deep, but they found an offensive outburst that would rival any opponent. After getting out to an early one-goal lead, the Amerks found themselves down 6-3 early in the third period. Goals from Kevin Porter, Luke Adam and Maxime Legault helped to keep Rochester in the game, but they would need more to pull this comeback off. And that is exactly what they got.
From roughly five and a half minutes into the third period on – after giving up the sixth Lake Erie goal – to the final whistle, Rochester played lights out. The Amerks wouldn't surrender another goal while scoring four of their own to shock the Monsters with a come-from-behind 7-6 win.
Marcus Foligno (Buffalo, N.Y.) kick-started the offensive clinic with his first goal of the night. That goal was soon followed up by a Jonathan Parker score, bringing the game within reach at 6-5. Rochester would remain down by one until Mark Mancari added his fourth goal of the year to tie the game at six. Then, with about three minutes left in regulation, defenseman Alex Biega would pot the game winner for the Amerks.
Both Nick Tarnasky and rookie Kevin Sundher had two assists on the night and were joined by Mancari, Foligno, Porter, Biega, Adam, Nick Crawford, Phil Varone, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc and T.J. Brennan (Willingboro, N.J) on the score sheet, as each player had one of their own in the barnburner.
The Week in Review
Two nights later, against Toronto, the Amerks would find themselves in another less than favorable position. After former Sabres prospect Mike Kostka started the scoring for the Marlies, Rochester would actually take the lead, 3-2, late in the third. It was short lived though, as the Marlies would get one back to tie it up at three as the game winded down.
Each team was held scoreless in the overtime period and thus the game would be decided in the shootout. Marlies goalie Ben Scrivens would stop each Amerks shooter, while David Leggio (Williamsville, N.Y.) would surrender one, giving the Marlies a 4-3 win.
Rochester's scoring came from Mark Pysyk, Foligno and Adam. The goals were assisted by Zemgus Girgensons, Varone, Pysyk and Brennan.
The Week Ahead
Wednesday, December 19 | Away vs. Grand Rapids Griffins
Friday, December 21 | Home vs. Binghamton Senators
Saturday, December 22 | Away vs. Binghamton Senators.
Mike Repertorio can be reached at feedback@nyhockeyjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MikeRepertorio.
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