ROCHESTER – Before Americans coach Mike Leone talked about how center Konsta Helenius’ soft hands and terrific vision created the tying goal, he brought up a mistake the rookie made early in Friday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Hershey Bears.
“Yeah, there were some things, though,” Leone said following the game in Blue Cross Arena.
Just 4:40 into the contest, Helenius’ turnover helped Hershey open the scoring. When the Buffalo Sabres prospect returned to the bench, he said no one mentioned the mistake to him.
“Usually they say it, but I knew that it was my goal,” Helenius said following his first two-point night for the Amerks. “They didn’t say anything because they knew that I knew.”
Friday was likely the stiffest test of the Finn’s 16-game AHL career. The Bears, a veteran team, have won the last two Calder Cups. They stifle offense and play a heavy game.
Still, Helenius, the 14th overall pick this year, showcased his smarts and talent, helping the Amerks erase two early deficits.
Later the first period, he skated through the neutral zone and softly shot the puck on goal from the right wing, likely trying to create the rebound defenseman Kale Clague converted.
CLAGUER TIES US UP ! pic.twitter.com/0gOUhtPL7m
— Rochester Americans (@AmerksHockey) November 23, 2024
In the third period, Helenius adroitly fed winger Brett Murray at the far post from the left circle, putting the puck through an opponent’s legs to generate a power-play goal.
It might not be pretty…
…but it’s still A POWER PLAY GOAL BY BRETT MURRAY! pic.twitter.com/vKqITwL1ze
— Rochester Americans (@AmerksHockey) November 23, 2024
Leone, of course, liked Helenius’ notable response following an early gaffe.
“I credit him a lot for coming back and playing a really strong game,” he said. “I thought his second and third period were good. But you got to play a disciplined game against a really good team. He had an extended shift.”
Helenius, 18, began the night with just one assist all season and on a five-game pointless streak. The short drought did not bother Leone because the youngster kept creating offense.
“If he’s not getting scoring chances, it’s more of a concern,” he said. “But, I mean, if you look at the plays at Laval (on Wednesday) … he could’ve got three of four assists that game. I think he’s still driving offense.”
Helenius, having scored five goals and eight points, has been one of the Amerks’ top catalysts all season.
“It’s hard that you play well but you didn’t get rewarded,” he said. “But you just have to continue to believe the points will come.”