Sabres Daily: Americans Eliminated; Cup Final Predictions

The Rochester Americans Calder Cup playoff came to an end on Friday, as the Hershey Bears made a second-period goal from Shane Gersich stand up in a 1-0 victory in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Final.

Right place, right time! 👍 pic.twitter.com/d9usFWZVo0

— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) June 3, 2023

Bears goalie Hunter Shepherd made 24 saves for his second shutout of the series. Hershey’s stifling defense was most apparent on the road, where they won all three games at Blue Cross Arena, and in the six games, they limited the Americans to one power-play goal.

After the loss, Amerks head coach Seth Appert was appreciative of what a group comprised of AHL veterans and top prospects Jiri Kulich and Isak Rosen accomplished.

“If you would have said at the beginning of the year that you have finished in second place and be in the Conference Finals, pushing for the Calder Cup. I think we all would have been ‘I don’t know how we’re going to do it, but that’s great.’ Amerks head coach Seth Appert said after the loss. “I think that the growth of the team is probably the thing that sticks out the most.”

Sabres In Case You Missed It

• Sabres Sign Novikov To ELC, Dubas Out In Toronto
• Karmanos Gets Second Interview For Pens GM Job
• Savoie Will Play For Amerks In Calder Cup Playoffs
• Eichel Inches Closer To Cup Final
• Okposo Coming Back To Complete Unfinished Business
• Bears Even Series With Americans
• Sabres Sign Ryan Johnson To Two-Year Deal
• Amerks Collapse Late, Trail Bears 3-1 In Eastern Final
• Sabres Building Future On The Returns Of Past Failures
• Mock Drafts Have Sabres Taking American Prospects at #13

Cup Predictions Buffalo-Style

Long-time Swedish reporter Per Bjugman annually compiles predictions on the Stanley Cup Final from dozens of reporters and former and current Swedish NHLers.

In the Buffalo Sabres sphere, winger Victor Olofsson predicts that the Vegas Golden Knights will win the series starting Saturday in six games. Former Sabres goalie Mikael Telleqvist also picked Vegas, while former Sabres goalie Linus Ullmark (who lost to Florida in a first-round upset) predicted the Panthers to win in six games. Ex-Buffalo first-rounder Calle Johansson and former Sabre Marcus Johansson also chose Florida.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Lucic Pondering NHL Future (Boston Bruins)

Calgary: Conroy Desperately Seeking Huberdeau Swagger (Calgary Flames)

Chicago: Prospect Greene Solidifying Depth At Center (Chicago Blackhawks)

Colorado: Best And Worst Drafts In Avalanche History  (Colorado Avalanche)

Detroit: Zetterberg Has No Interest In Joining Wings Front Office (Detroit Red Wings)

Florida: Forsling Unsung Hero In Panthers Cup Run (Florida Panthers)

Los Angeles: Top Three Kings With Most To Prove In 2023-24 (Los Angeles Kings)

Montreal: Canadiens Prospect Beck Extends Memorial Cup Run (Montreal Canadiens)

Nashville: Brunette Hire A Full-Circle Moment For Preds (Nashville Predators)

NY Islanders: NHL Coaching Carousel In Full Swing (New York Islanders)

Philadelphia: Tortorella Does Not Agree With Criticism Of Hiring Ex-Flyers (Philadelphia Flyers)

Pittsburgh: Molinari: Give Dubas GM Job? (Pittsburgh Penguins)

San Jose: Re-Considering Sharks 2003 Draft (San Jose Sharks)

Vegas: Cassidy Learning From Past Cup Loss  (Vegas Golden Knights)

Washington: Carbery Familiar With Caps Young Prospects (Washington Capitals)