ROCHESTER, NY – Despite a brilliant 37-save effort from goaltender Andrey Makarov, a late penalty proved costly for the Rochester Americans as Brendan Leipsic’s power-play goal just 1:28 into overtime stood as the difference in a 1-0 loss to the Toronto Marlies Wednesday at The Blue Cross Arena. The loss extends Rochester’s winless streak to four games as the Amerks fall to 6-8-1-0 on the season.
Makarov was sensational for the Amerks, stopping all 37 shots he faced through regulation, including denying Zach Hyman’s shorthanded breakaway opportunity late in the third period to keep the Amerks in the game. Chad Ruhwedel, Jason Akeson and Bobby Sanguinetti each recorded three shots in the loss while Sanguinetti also led all skaters with 25:02 of ice time. 
Toronto goaltender Garret Sparks finished with 23 saves en route to his first shutout of the season while helping the Marlies to their seventh win in the last eight games.
It was primarily a defense-first style of game through the first 40 minutes of the contest with Makarov and Sparks combining for 40 saves for their respective clubs. Following a rather tightly contested first period, the action picked up in the middle frame as the teams traded two quality scoring chances, including one near-missed opportunity from Akeson.
Toronto almost took a 1-0 lead midway in the period after former Amerk T.J. Brennan sent a backhanded attempt just inches above the crossbar from the top of the crease. Minutes later, it was Akeson that nearly gave Rochester the advantage when he found himself on the receiving end of a crossing feed from Phil Varone, who threaded the needle through traffic to Akeson on the far post. Akeson one-timed the offer, but Sparks kicked his right leg out in desperation and was able to make the save with his toe.
A slew of penalties by the Marlies in the third paved the way for 1:29 of 5-on-3 power-play time, but the Amerks were unable to generate any chances with the two-man advantage. The momentum quickly shifted in Toronto’s favor when Hyman forced a turnover in the Rochester zone and sped off on a shorthanded breakaway opportunity. Makarov, however, was again equal to the task, and stymied the Marlies forward with a left pad save to keep it scoreless heading into overtime.
A late penalty in regulation to Rochester gave Toronto the man-advantage heading into the extra session and they would capitalize just 1:28 in when Leipsic fired home his second of the season to give the Marlies the 1-0 win.
With Rochester game report
