Rochester Falls 3-2 in Shootout After Syracuse Rally; Leschyshyn, Jones Shine

Rochester hosted Syracuse on Jan. 19, 2026, and lost 3-2 in a shootout after the Crunch erased a second-period deficit with a late equalizer. The Amerks had taken a 2-1 lead in the middle frame, but Syracuse rallied late in regulation to send the game to overtime and ultimately win in the shootout. Rochester collected the single standings point that comes with a shootout loss and remained competitive in the North Division.

The most tangible亮upside for the Amerks was the play of Jake Leschyshyn and Zac Jones, who each recorded multi-point games. Their offensive contributions paced Rochester’s attack and illustrated the club’s continued ability to generate scoring from its top-two lines. That balanced production is a positive sign for a roster that mixes veteran AHLers and prospects trying to force NHL consideration.

Game flow favored Rochester early and through the second period, when they built the 2-1 advantage. Syracuse’s late regulation push changed the momentum, however, and the Crunch found enough in the waning minutes to knot the score and extend the contest. With the game decided in a shootout, goaltending and one-on-one skill became the final arbiter, and Syracuse prevailed in the skills competition.

From a team-dynamics perspective, the Amerks showed resiliency by maintaining a lead and by producing contributions at both ends of the lineup. The narrow defeat underscores the thin margins in the AHL, where a single late goal can convert two standings points into one. For player development, nights like this are valuable for Leschyshyn and Jones; multi-point efforts in tight games are the kind of performances that draw attention from NHL affiliates and shape roster decisions down the stretch.

In the broader business and cultural context, close divisional games between Rochester and Syracuse keep local interest high in upstate New York, sustaining gate and broadcast engagement for AHL franchises that rely on regional rivalries. The Amerks’ ability to remain in the North Division mix will matter for ticket sales, sponsor exposure, and community energy as the season progresses.

Looking ahead, Rochester can take encouragement from strong individual outings and a competitive showing, but the loss also highlights the need for late-game defensive clarity and shootout preparedness. The Amerks head into the next stretch with a point in hand and a reminder that every minute matters in the race for positioning.