ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Philadelphia Rebels hit the road this weekend for a two-game series against the Rochester Jr. Americans, facing one of the league’s hottest teams as the playoff race continues to tighten.
Philadelphia enters the weekend with a 15-17-2-6 record, sitting eighth in the East Division and within reach of the playoff line. The Rebels are coming off a 5-2 win last Friday over the Elmira Aviators, aiming to gain momentum away from home against a Rochester club that has surged into third place. The Jr. Americans own a 26-11-0 record and are 9-1-0 in their last 10 games, riding a four-game winning streak.
This weekend marks the fifth and sixth meetings between the teams this season, and the first matchup since Nov. 1, when Rochester defeated Philadelphia in a shootout.
Rochester’s success has been fueled by a high-powered offense led by Ryan Shaw, who tops the team with 55 points (30 goals, 25 assists) in 36 games. Owen King has added 42 points, while Sam Schulte (31 points), Ryan Flaherty (26) and Colin Dustin (24) give the Jr. Americans scoring depth throughout the lineup.
Philadelphia will counter with a balanced offensive attack led by Jordan Brothers, who is coming off a two-point contest against Elmira. The Rebels have gotten serious production from Abzal Alibek and Dylan Moran as the duo has combined for 10 points over the past five games.
Philadelphia added three goals from defensemen last Friday as Mikey Conlon found the back of the net twice and Joe Stauber unleashed a short-handed blast. The blueliners have combined for 27 points this campaign.
Goaltending figures to play a key role in the series. Ilja Nikitins has been excellent for Philadelphia, posting a 10-9 record with a 2.31 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage in 25 appearances. Ben Varsa has played well in 19 appearances this year with a .904 save percentage and a 3.07 goals-against average.
Rochester is anchored by Jensen Carlstrom, who is 14-8 with a 2.68 goals-against average, while Florian Wade has also delivered solid performances in net.
Special teams could be a deciding factor. Philadelphia’s penalty kill ranks 17th in the NAHL at 79.1%, while Rochester’s unit is seventh at 82.6%. The Rebels’ power play has found its groove as of late, with power-play goals in the last three games, but it will be tested against a disciplined Jr. Americans penalty kill.
With valuable points on the line, the weekend presents a road test for the Rebels as they look to climb the East Division standings, while Rochester aims to extend its winning streak and strengthen its position near the top of the division. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Fans can catch all the action on NATV.