Rochester, NY – The Abbotsford Heat extended their point streak to seven games with a 3-2 win on Friday night at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester. Abbotsford (10-1-1-2) retains top spot in the AHL with the win and have earned 23 of a possible 28 points this season.
Leland Irving was superb in his third start of the year and Ben Street extended his point streak to five games. Paul Byron scored the game winner on his first goal of the season.
The Americans opened the scoring just 4:34 into the game and led 1-0 after the first period.
Quintin Laing tied the game for the Heat at 4:04 of the second period with his third goal of the season. The goal was assisted by Ben Street, who is now tied for second in team scoring with 13 points. Sven Baertschi’s sixth goal of the season came at 13:36 of the second period. Ben Walter and Roman Horak drew assists on the play. The Heat led 2-1 through two periods.
The Americans tied the game on their fifth power play of the night at 3:33 of the third period. Abbotsford's Paul Byron scored the game winner at 8:42 of the third period. Brady Lamb drew an assist for his first pro point, with Krys Kolanos also earning an assist.
The Heat killed off four of five Rochester power plays, while the Heat power play was scoreless on six opportunities.
Leland Irving made his third start of the season, stopping 36 of 38 shots. The Americans outshot the Heat by a 38-21 margin.
The Heat are back in action on Sunday at 12:00 PDT, when they face the Toronto Marlies for the third time this season. The Heat then travel to Texas to play the Texas Stars (Austin, TX), the San Antonio Rampage, and the Houston Aeros next weekend.
The Heat return to the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre to play the Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens) on Friday, November 30th and Saturday, December 1st. Friday’s game is “Legends of Hockey Night”, where the Heat will honour Hockey Hall of Fame inductee and former Canadien Yvan Cournoyer. Fans will have an opportunity to have an item signed by Cournoyer as part of the evening’s festivities. For tickets please call 1-877-452-HEAT(4328) or visit us online at www.AbbotsfordHeat.com.
