Amerks Clinch Playoff Spot on Final Day of Regular Season

Rochester's AHL team secures final North Division playoff berth with overtime point against Hershey Bears.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 12:07am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic action of a hockey game, with fragmented shapes and planes of blue, red, and white representing the ice, players, and equipment.The Amerks' dramatic overtime clincher secures their return to the AHL playoffs, setting up an intriguing first-round matchup with the rival Toronto Marlies.Hershey Today

The Rochester Amerks have clinched a spot in the American Hockey League's North Division playoffs, earning the final playoff position on the last day of the regular season. The Amerks forced overtime against the Hershey Bears, picking up a crucial point to finish the season with 72 points and secure the fifth seed in the division.

Why it matters

Making the playoffs continues a strong run for the Amerks, who have now qualified for the postseason in five consecutive seasons. As the fifth seed, they will face the fourth-seeded Toronto Marlies in a best-of-three first-round series, with the winner advancing to take on the top-seeded Laval Rocket.

The details

In their final regular season game, the Amerks battled the Hershey Bears and managed to force overtime, earning a point that proved crucial in clinching the last North Division playoff spot. Rochester finished the season with 72 points, edging out other contenders for the final postseason berth.

  • The Amerks clinched their playoff spot on the final day of the 2025-26 AHL regular season, April 20, 2026.
  • Game One of the Amerks-Marlies first-round series will be played on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 7 pm.
  • Game Two will be on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 7:05 pm in Rochester.
  • If necessary, Game Three will be on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 4 pm in Toronto.

The players

Rochester Amerks

The American Hockey League (AHL) team based in Rochester, New York that serves as the top minor league affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres.

Hershey Bears

The AHL team based in Hershey, Pennsylvania that is the primary affiliate of the Washington Capitals.

Toronto Marlies

The AHL team based in Toronto, Ontario that is the top minor league affiliate of the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs.

Laval Rocket

The AHL team based in Laval, Quebec that is the primary affiliate of the NHL's Montreal Canadiens.

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What they’re saying

“Making the playoffs again is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players and coaching staff. We're excited to represent Rochester in the postseason and make a deep run.”

— Seth Appert, Head Coach, Rochester Amerks

What’s next

The Amerks will face the Toronto Marlies in a best-of-three first-round playoff series, with the winner advancing to take on the top-seeded Laval Rocket in the North Division semifinals.

The takeaway

The Amerks' ability to clinch a playoff spot on the final day of the regular season demonstrates the team's resilience and competitiveness within the AHL's North Division. As a perennial postseason contender, Rochester will look to build on its recent success and make a deep run in this year's Calder Cup playoffs.